FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
VOLUME 114, No.09
www.thevincentian.com
Elections petitions Extradition case thrown out off agenda Page 5 Page 4
Morgans free/forgives Pages 6&28
POLICE VIGILANCE ÂBAGSÊ HIGHPOWERED RIFLE
The AR15 rifle is known to have been used in more than one mass shooting in the USA.
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
THE VIGILANCE of Corporal 403 Nigel John of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) last week Tuesday, may have prevented another gun-related crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Corporal John’s action led to the seizure of a semi-automatic firearm, and the sentencing of 28year-old Evander ‘Skull’ Myers of Vermont to five years and six months in prison. Myers was jailed after pleading guilty, Friday 21st February, of having in his possession a Spikers Tactical Apopka AR15 rifle, a lightweight semi-automatic rifle that is a prohibited weapon, and without the authorization of the minister. In presenting the
facts, Court Clerk, Corporal Atnel Ash told Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne that around 10pm last week Tuesday, Corporal John was on duty at an RRU base in Layou when he received certain information about a white American-made Nissan Alitima, Registration No PW750, heading towards Layou from Kingstown. Corporal John immediately boarded an unmarked vehicle and went to the area of the Layou beach, taking along with him, other RRU officers, all dressed in uniform. Around 10:30pm, the Nissan Alitima passed heading towards Barrouallie. John followed the car in the
After being prodded by his partner, Evander Myers admitted that the rifle was his. unmarked vehicle. On reaching the area of the Barrouallie Primary School, the car pulled onto the right side of the road and stopped. John seized the opportunity to move his vehicle in front of the Altima, preventing it
EC$1.50
from moving forward. He and his colleagues exited their unmarked car and quickly surrounded the suspicious vehicle. John reported seeing two occupants in the car Continued on Page 3.
BBO- six years old Page 14
Port turns away ship Page 19
HOMICIDE #2 RECORDED: MASON CHARGED THIS COUNTRY RECORDED its second homicide for the year when Henry ‘Buster’ Parsons, a 54-year-old employee of Diamond Woods and resident of Long Piece, Lowmans Windward, succumbed to a chop wound to his right leg. According to a police release made available earlier this week, on February 21, at about 11:40pm, police responded to a Henry ‘Buster’ Parsons chopping incident which occurred at the was recorded as this ‘Kiss Me Neck Bar’ at country’s second Long Piece, Lowmans homicide victim for 2020. Windward. Patrons cutlass.” were enjoying a karaoke Joseph was not session before the required to plea when incident occurred. he appeared before On their arrival at Senior Magistrate the scene, police officers Rickie Burnett at the met the man Kingstown Magistrate’s unresponsive, with a Court on Tuesday for chop wound to the back arraignment, and the of his right leg. He was matter was adjourned to pronounced dead on the Tuesday, March 3, and scene by the District transferred to the Medical Officer. Serious Offences Court. An autopsy revealed Joseph was that he succumbed to remanded into custody. exsanguination, the loss of blood to a degree sufficient to cause death. Police stated in a release dated February 25, that they had arrested and charged Frankie Joseph, 42year-old mason of Long Piece, Lowmans Windward, “for with malice aforethought caused the death of Henry Parsons of the same address, by Frankie Joseph has chopping him behind been charged with his right leg with a causing Parsons’ death.
V Anglican Rector, Dean of St. GeorgeÊs Cathedral installed 2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Religion
Francis to read the Litany for Ordinations, LAST THURSDAY, 20th as the Very Reverend February, members of the Otis Samuel Nichols Anglican community came prostrated himself on the out in their numbers to floor in open humility. witness the institution, Subsequently, induction of the Very Archdeacon, the Reverend Otis Samuel Venerable J. Everton Nichols BA, as Rector of Weekes, took the the Cathedral Parish of St. Mandate of Induction in George and St. Andrew his hands, read it, then with the Transfiguration, proceeded with the The Ascension and Holy church wardens and the Redeemer, and his Ordinand to the church installation as Dean of the door and, laying the St. George’s Cathedral. Reverend’s hand upon This ceremony was the handle, gave him ‘the held as part of the keys that open the door programme of activities to all people’. With this, The Very Reverend Otis Samuel Nichols prostrated himself on the floor in open humility, to celebrate the 200th the procession moved to as the Litany of Ordinations was read. anniversary of the the altar where consecration of the St. presenters handed over George’s Cathedral. the Instruments of the Office: Bible, Water, Institution and Stole and Cope, Book of Induction of the Rector Common Prayer, Holy Oil, Key, Bread and An impressive Wine, and the procession took persons Constitution, Canons and to their places. The Very Regulations of the Reverend Otis Samuel Diocese. With these Nichols, about to be accepted, the Bishop instituted and inducted, presented the new Rector wore a demeanor of to the congregation. solemnity as he absorbed the proceedings. Installation of the Dean Archdeacon Everton Weekes (back to camera left) Then, following the placing Rev. Nichols’ hand on the handle, gave dictates of Anglican law, The ceremony moved him ‘the keys that open the door to all people’. the Wardens informed smoothly to the Mr. Douglas Williams, installation was then the Bishop of their installation of the Dean St. Vincent and the satisfaction in the choice who, after the Licence of complete with the Grenadines; and blessing of the Senior of the incumbent, and Installation was read, posthumously, Mr. Canon, the Venerable the Letter of Institution signed it and declared Dennis Lambert of was read. The his commitment to serve. Christian Glasgow. Grenada. congregation’s pledge of He was then taken by Appointment and support cued the Very the hand and placed in collation to the Canonry Bishop Friday’s sermon Reverend Canon Ashton his stall. The by GLORIAH…
The Very Reverend Otis Samuel Nichols in his Stall having been blessed by Senior Canon, the Venerable Christian Glasgow, signifying that the installation was complete.
Anglicans appoint Canons to preserve unity, good government and discipline in the church. The ceremony included the appointment and collation of two ministers of the church to the Canonry: The Venerable Michael Marshall and the Reverend Canon Junior Ballantyne, respectively to the Stalls of St. Anselm and St. Bede. New Dean Otis Samuel Nichols officiated in this exercise. Additionally, three Honorary Canons were recognized: Ms. Patricia James from St. Lucia;
The Right Reverend C. Leopold Friday, Bishop of the Windward Islands directed the congregation to God’s Word taken from Numbers 11: 16-17 that said it all. It read, “The Lord said to Moses, gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them take their place there with you. I will come down and talk with you there. I will take some of the spirit which is on you and put it on them and they shall bear the burden of the
The Very Rev. Otis Samuel Nichols, new Rector and Dean of the St. George’s Cathedral. people along with you, and study of the Holy that you will not bear it Scriptures and in seeking all by yourself.” the knowledge of such The Bishop outlined things that will deepen the necessity for this our faith and make us direction from God, and stronger and more able likened it to what should minsters of Christ.” obtain in the church. At the conclusion of “Dean Nichols, the ceremonies, Dean members of the clergy,” Nichols thanked he said, “do not isolate everyone and painted an yourselves, but let us exciting way forward for share the burden with the church. our brothers and sisters of the clergy. In addition, we can identify and train members of the laity to share in ministry. As we all promise at our ordination, may we be diligent in Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Leopold Friday the reading gave the final blessing.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 3.
News 3 Inaugural Investment Forum coming SOME 100 POTENTIAL INVESTORS are expected to converge on Bequia to attend the inaugural Investment Forum on May 2. The Forum, to be hosted by Invest SVG with support from the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) Compete Caribbean, is intended to bring potential investors here to get a firsthand look and obtain information on doing business here. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning said at the launch on February 18, that the typical mold used by promotion agencies throughout the region had been to wait for a trade show at some
locale, travel to that locale, set up a booth and pass out brochures or other forms of literature about their individual country, to random persons wandering around. “That is not an effective way to generate investment in countries like ours,” Gonsalves contended, adding that it should not only be about exporting to markets, but to bring markets here. “We think, for example, that it is good business to bring people to St Vincent and the Grenadines to feed them our agricultural produce, to bring people here for them to enjoy our agriculture and the talent, bring them here to understand and see the special gifts that we have,” Gonsalves said, as he supported his view
that investment promotion should be about bringing people here. Annette Mark, Chief Executive Director of Invest SVG, cited that potential investors who visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the Forum, will have the opportunity to see the infrastructural development that exists firsthand. “We also want them to interact with our people firsthand and to experience our culture,” Mark said. Among those expected to be in attendance are qualified leads, i.e. those who satisfy a qualifying process for foreign investors, local private sector,
Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance/Economic Development, etc., stressed the need to be different in our approach to wooing investors.
Annette Mark, Chief Executive Officer of Invest SVG, host of the Forum, expects the event to be anything other than a ‘talk shop’. government officials and Invest SVG’s development partners. Mark promised that the event was expected
Ganja talk: Matthews disputes Gonsalves’ assertion OPPOSITION MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT for North Leeward Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews has taken umbrage with an assertion made by Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, regarding the number of persons/entities who are licensed as cannabis cultivators. In his Budget Address of January 2020, Minister Gonsalves said that hundreds of local farmers have become licensed as cannabis cultivators, this after the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) had received some 280 licence applications. According to Gonsalves, the applicants include 25 foreign investors, seven local investors, 26 local cultivators, 210 traditional cultivators and 12 traditional cultivators’ cooperatives representing some 150 farmers. A total of 70 applications have been approved, including 10 local farmers’ cooperatives and 18 regional and international companies, as of December 2019, Gonsalves said.
But MP Matthews, opposition spokesperson on agriculture, has disputed the Finance Minister’s declaration that hundreds of local farmers have been granted licences to grow marijuana. Matthews said on radio that he makes it his business “to talk to the ganja farmers. I asked them in North Leeward for sure, Can you show me a copy of your licence? “To date, none has been able to show that; that here is my licence. So I don’t know if there is some kind of licensing taking place and the farmers of North Leeward are not part of it.” He appealed to the Ministers of Finance and/or Agriculture to state clearly how many licences have been given to marijuana farmers, especially the traditional cultivators, whether it’s in a cooperative or individually in North Leeward. How many have their licence in their hand and [can] say, yes we have a licence?” Matthews said North Leeward is “a constituency where I know that
Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, MP for North Leeward, is still to see any cannabis cultivators’ licences among farmers in North Leeward. ganja contributes significantly to the livelihood of people.’ There is yet to be a response to Matthews’ queries. North Leeward is known to have been the ‘mecca of ganja cultivation’ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and has contributed significantly to the livelihood of people.
to be anything other than a ‘sit down’ conference; that “it is going to be more of a networking event.” The success of the event will be measured by the number of
interested investors who come from the pool of qualified leads and in the long term, the number of jobs that are created, Mark told the launch. (DD)
Police vigilance ‘bags’ highpowered rifle Continued from Front Page. — the driver and the defendant, who was in the front passenger seat — and noticed that the defendant was fiddling with something at his feet. He shouted, “Police, keep your hands where I could see them!” They complied, and John identified himself. On nearing the suspect vehicle, John noticed a multi-coloured backpack with something protruding. He took the backpack into his possession and ordered the occupants to exit their car. They complied. The bag was searched in their presence and another police officer, revealing the high-powered rifle which was not loaded. John cautioned the driver and Myers, and the driver told Myers, “Skull, own your ting.” Myers responded with, “Is mine. “ Myers was represented in Court by Attorney Ronald Marks, who asked the Chief Magistrate to be as lenient as possible. He acknowledged the seriousness of the offence, but noted that the gun was harmless when the police found it in Myers’s possession, as it had no magazine or bullets. The lawyer also noted that his client pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, and had no previous convictions. Myers was charged under section 14(1) 4(a) of the Firearms Act Chapter 386 of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Revised Edition, 2009. The offence carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment in the Magistrate’s Court.
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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
News
Election petitions off the political agenda, says PR Campbell
Parnel Campbell QC outlined the possible courses of action the election petition appeals be heard in September and upheld.
GENERAL ELECTIONS here are widely expected by December this year, and two appeals against the dismissal of two election petitions in March last year, are yet to be heard by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. And one prominent Queen’s Counsel, Parnel Campbell, is of the view that the petitions may be not be on the political agenda at this time. Campbell QC, who chaired the Constitutional Review Commission, served as Attorney General in a previous New Democratic Party (NDP) administration, expressed the view while making preliminary comments on last Monday evening’s segment of The Law and You programme he hosts on SVG TV.
His position as referenced, was based on what he said was that the petition appeals filed by lawyers representing NDP candidates Lauron Baptiste of the North Windward constituency and Benjamin Exeter of the Central Leeward constituency, following the outcome of the trial, were not listed for the attention of the Appeal Court, which sat here this week. It was widely anticipated that the appeals would have been heard sometime this week, this even as members of the legal team for the appellants admitted there was some difficulty in getting the transcript from the trial held here early last year. So much so, given the volume of the transcript,
outside sources had to be employed in attempts to get it done faster. Some weeks ago, there were still concerns that the transcribing was still incomplete. Campbell remarked on his programme, that he was surprised when he perused the list, that he didn’t see any mention of the election petition appeals. “I have made some enquiries and I understand that in all likelihood the appeal would be down for the September sitting. But the implication of that, politically, is that to all intents and purposes, those election matters are now — well, if not irrelevant, have been overtaken by time. Because, if
the appeal is heard in September, one cannot expect a decision until, at the very earliest, October,” Campbell QC stated on Monday. The former Attorney General further stated: “Now, if the court rules that the elections in North Windward and Central Leeward were so badly tainted that the seats have to be declared vacant, it would be too late for anything to happen other than a dissolution of the parliament. Because, following such a ruling, the government would have 90 days to make up its mind whether to have by-elections, or a by-election depending on the outcome, if the ruling goes against the government, or whether to call
general elections. So, to all intents and purposes, the election petitions are off the political agenda, which is a great pity.” The petitions were filed at the end of December 2015, following the December 9th general elections which saw the Unity Labour Party (ULP) returning to office with the same narrow 8-7 results as in the December 2010 elections. The NDP challenged the outcome of the elections, alleging inconsistencies in two constituencies.
V Men cleared in extradition case
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 5.
Court
the state was withdrawing the TWO VINCENTIANS who proceedings against were awaiting Hyah Browne, a former documentation from employee of the Central Grenada since December Water and Sewerage to show why they should Authority (CWSA), and be extradited to that Andy Parsons, a neighbouring territory to labourer, both of answer robber charges, Carriere. have been cleared of those Local police had proceedings. detained the men here on Crown Council Karim October 25 last year, as Nelson informed the suspects in the October Court last Friday, that 11, 2019 armed robbery by HAYDN HUGGINS
of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) Credit Union’s Office in Carriacou, netting EC$26,208. The men were taken to the Serious Offences Court on October 30, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted an application by the Prosecution for provisional warrants to be issued for the men’s detention. They were
subsequently released on $3,000 bail with one surety by the Serious Offences Court, following an application by their lawyer Grant Connell, and the matter was adjourned to December 10, by which time the Grenada authorities were expected to make a formal request for the men’s extradition. However, the matter was further adjourned on
One charged with gun, ammo, cocaine haul UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, one man has been charged in connection with the
Andy Medica was the only one charged in a gun, ammo, cocaine matter, after four persons were said to be originally held by the police.
police seizure of three guns, 38 rounds of ammunition and a quantity of cocaine at Prospect last Sunday. Andy Medica, a resident of Chateaubelair, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday charged with possession of: two (2) Glock 17 pistols and one (1) Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, serial number unknown; 20 rounds of .223 prohibited ammunition; six rounds of hollow point .357 magnum ammunition; 12 rounds of 9 mm ammunition; 3,014 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, and possession of 3,014 grams of cocaine for the purpose of drug
Calliaqua Police make breakthrough POLICE OFFICERS stationed at the Calliaqua Police Station have made successful breakthroughs in a number of reported burglaries in the district. On 26.2.2020, Police arrested and charged Winston Shallow, 30 years labourer of Fair Hall; Philmore Ralph, 37 years labourer of Fair Hall and Samuel Woods, 32 years labourer of Belair, for entering the dwelling house of Chadrick Carrington as a trespasser, and stealing one (1) black flat screen 32 inch smart Samsung television valued $1800 ECC, one (1) black flat screen 32 inch TCL Smart television valued $1500 ECC, one (1) black Asus Laptop computer valued $700 ECC, and other articles valued $7,145 ECC. Total value of the heist was put at EC$11,145 ECC. The accused men were slated to appear at the Serious Offences Court on Feb. 27 to answer to the charges. (Source: Police Public Relations)
trafficking. Medica, who is being represented by Attorney Grant Connell, was not required to plea to the charges when he stood before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, as Prosecutor Curlene Samuel indicated that the prosecution would be proceeding indictably. Medica was granted $60,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he surrender his travel documents, and report to the Chateabelair Police Station twice a week. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry. The matter was adjourned to Tuesday,
March 3 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court. Medica’s charge arose from a joint operation involving officers of the SVG Coast Guard Service, the Narcotics Unit and the Rapid Response Unit, which was conducted on Sunday, February 23, 2020 in the Prospect area, and during which the fore-mentioned guns, ammunition and cocaine were discovered. A Police release earlier this week stated that four (4) male suspects were in police custody assisting with the investigations. (HH)
(L-R): Hyah Browne and Andy Parsons had to wait some time before being ‘released’ from an extradition matter that was hanging over their heads. a number of occasions, very unfortunate and and the men were disturbing. That could uncertain as to what was not have been done to happening in relation to two Grenadines by the cases. Vincentian police. The issue will be addressed”.
No documents from Grenada
Not in Grenada
When THE VINCENTIAN contacted Nelson on Monday, he confirmed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) withdrew the proceedings against the men because to date, the Grenada authorities had not provided any formal documentation. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, Connell said, “You could go into a country, catch two men, shackle them, arrest them and cage them against their will, and await shipment to another land… Where have you heard that story before? “What happened was
Meanwhile, Hyah Browne told this publication on Tuesday, that he was still puzzled as to why the police picked him up, as he was in St. Vincent putting down pipes for the CWSA when the alleged robbery was said to have occurred. He said the police came to his home and showed him some pictures, saying they were pictures of him and Andy Parsons. Browne said that the allegation has caused him much stress, frustration and embarrassment. He said he was never in conflict with the law before, and the allegation has shocked those who knew him well.
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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
People
Pastor freed forgives critics THE MORGAN family embraced each other outside the Appeal Court last Tuesday, after Pastor Nigel Morgan and his wife Althia Morgan’s convictions for causing grievous bodily harm to Cuthbert ‘Mafia’ Victory were set aside. In a day of good news for the family, the conviction of their daughter Crystal was also set aside and her sentence reduced from four years to three years, making her eligible for release by April this year. Pastor Nigel Morgan, his wife and daughter were charged for an April 2016 incident in which their daughter poured hot water on Victory, causing him to suffer severe burns about his body, in particular his back. The Morgans’ lawyer, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, in an interview after the Court of Appeal’s decision, said that she hoped the public would forgive the Morgans. “I hope that society would forgive them and allow them to continue doing the good work, especially Mr. Morgan,
for what he has been doing for St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Bacchus-Baptiste said. Pastor Morgan, who appeared quite relieved but resolute upon release, said that he had forgiven those persons who expressed hatred for him and his family. His experience in prison he described as one of teaching, preaching and counselling, and he shared that he was doing research on the justice system here. And while he gave no further details on his research, Pastor Morgan made an appeal on behalf of inmates and others involved in the prison system. “Parents who have rejected their youths, loved ones who have rejected one another, and these people are innocent. I have been writing a lot ….there are people there who need help …. You Christians go and visit your loved ones… the staff round there also needs help. The Superintendent and all the officers are doing quite a big job, and thanks for those who are
Pastor Nigel Morgan said that he had forgiven his detractor, but said nothing about asking forgiveness for himself. praying for them,” stated Morgan. His wife Althia said that the time she spent in prison was beneficial in many ways, and she promised that persons would hear about them. She said it took a test in order to give a testimony, and she went through the mess in order to be able to deliver a message. “A lot of times people talk; talk is cheap, but when you experience something, you can say I was there,” Mrs. Morgan espoused. (KH)
“We can sue, but …. .” WE CAN SUE for false Attorney Kay Bacchusimprisonment, you know? We Baptiste (right) says her can sue, but I never advise people to do it, because you went clients’ interests always come first. (Photo through a trial and that is how Source: ANN) the system is, you know? In ahead, even though some countries, you can sue and seek compensation; but I will not encourage I was not fully prepared to take on it … because they were convicted.” their arguments; but That was how veteran defence I figured I could attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste have won it on my responded last Tuesday to a query own submissions… without having to about whether suing for wrongful imprisonment would be an option she bother too much with theirs. And the court almost did not ask them for their would advise her clients, Nigel Morgan, his wife Althia and daughter submissions anyway,” BacchusBaptiste quipped. Crystal, to pursue. Bacchus-Baptiste, an Opposition Bacchus-Baptiste cited her clients’ interest as her primary concern, even Senator and candidate in waiting for the West St. George Constituency, also as she was offered a further took time out to respond to a question adjournment at Tuesday’s sitting of the Appeal Court, comprised of a panel regarding how last Tuesday’s ruling could affect her political aspirations. of Justices Davidson Kelvin Baptiste, “Why can’t I go? Are they going to Mario Michel and acting Justice of lynch the Court of Appeal? I am a Appeal Paul Anthony Webster. professional. I do my work. I am good The offer was made after Bacchusat my work. Any one of my detractors Baptiste indicated that her who may have a problem or any of presentation might be somewhat their close family, would not like me to retarded since she had only been compromise their case for my political served with the respondents’ success,” she responded resolutely. submissions the previous Friday. (Source: ANN) ‘So, it’s a good thing that I went
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 7.
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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Politicians, voters and lies “BRITAIN RECENTLY ELECTED a prime minister who unlawfully shut down parliament to escape democratic scrutiny and who tells blatant falsehoods whenever it suits him.” That’s the view of one commentator in Britain. In 2016, US voters faced a choice between a presidential candidate whose campaign statements were accurate 75% of the time, and another whose claims were false 70% of the time. This is according to one fact-checking outlet in the USA. You may want to ask the obvious: How is this possible? You may even want to ask the question of our own situation. Questions abound, including: How can lying manipulators find footing in societies with long and proud histories of democracy and pragmatism, of which our Caribbean leaders love to boast? Ask ourselves: Are we, not unlike others, insensitive to falsehoods? Do we not know whether things are true or false? Do we no longer care about truth? The answer might just lie in the distinction between our conventional understanding of honesty and the notion of “authenticity”, i.e. truth. Honesty is about factual accuracy, whereas authenticity is about how we reconcile our private and public impressions of say, a politician. We, the people, are, therefore, wont to reduce their belief in the claim that a politician is talking falsehood, rather than their belief in the politician. From our experience, it appears that support for a person/politician against whom a claim of falsehood is made, remains stable no matter how many of us, if we are honest, realise how false and inaccurate a politician’s pronouncements are. But, don’t think for one moment that people/voters don’t understand when a politician is lying, and that we (people) might discount falsehoods when they are pointed out. Sadly, we the voters seemingly tolerate being lied to without holding it against our favoured candidate/leader. But it does not follow that we
have given up on truth and honesty in politics altogether. People who accept politicians who lie, are often people who feel disenfranchised and excluded from a political system, so they accept lies from a politician who claims to be a champion of the ‘people’. And then, there is every likelihood that the response from the ‘enemy’, the ‘establishment’, only serves to strengthen the claim of those who advance themselves as champions of the people, making them ‘paragons of virtue’ under veils of falsehoods. To defang the manipulators among us, often referred to as demagogues, and to make lying unacceptable again, demand that we (voters) regain trust in the political system and dismiss our misguided/blind trust in the politicians. When people consider a political system to be legitimate and fair, they reject politicians who tell untruths and they resent lies thrown at them. So the key to moving on, to radically changing the mindset, involves pursuing politics that reduce the appeal of populist demagogues, those with the gift of garb who are capable of singing ‘sweet nothings’ to those who ‘trust’ them, and at the same time drive stakes into the hearts of their opponents. Moving forward requires that we create incentives for politicians to be more honest. There is no quick and easy recipe for this process. But it is clear that we need to have a political conversation of an ‘honest’ order. And we can find encouragement from countries with different political structures and policies, and where voters do not tolerate politicians’ lies. Australia has shown that voters there reduce their endorsement of politicians even after their falsehoods have been exposed, corrected and/or withdrawn. Are we fortified enough to demonstrate our intolerance of lies even if they come from our own side of politics? That may be the basis on which a genuine change in our political culture can take root.
National Heroes Month Featuring Captain Hugh Mulzac (Reprinted from 15th February, 2002) THIS COLUMN UNRESERVEDLY supports the call for March to be designated “National Heroes Month” when there might be some officially coordinated activities to mark the life and times of such local historical figures as have given real meaning, purpose and direction to our lives. Carib Chief, Joseph Chatoyer, our regional freedom fighter, who in the eighteenth century waged unrelenting guerilla warfare in an epic struggle to keep St. Vincent free, fought his last battle in March 1796. George Mc Intosh, champion of the masses, who blazed the political trial in the first half of this century and triggered off military trade unionism that issued the first real challenge to a benighted plantocracy, was born on the 6th March 1886; almost fifty years to the day before the official launching of his pioneering Workingmen’s Association on 2nd March 1936. Less than three weeks after Mc Intosh’s birth, on 26th March 1886, there was born in Union Island in the Grenadines, Hugh Mulzac whose lifestory in effect offers a capsuled edition of an interesting period of Black History. Mulzac spent most of his live in the USA where racial bigotry and political victimization were to profoundly affect his social philosophy.From his direct contact with Garveyism, Mulzac has been able to reveal much of the underside of that movement. He sailed on one of the boats of the Black Star Line that was in reality a flagship for political propaganda. From Mulzac we learn of the plight of our Black Folk in Panama and get a vivid picture of the charisma at work in Garvey that eventually led to dashed hopes and shattered dreams: “For a few brief years Marcus Garvey fired the torch that lighted the Negro night, bringing dreams of glory and equality. Just as quickly, the torch flickered and was out, leaving us in darkness as before; poorer, sadder, and perhaps wiser, despite a deep loss of faith in our own capacities”. Mulzac had the signal honour of being the first black man to gain a Master’s licence and Captain an
American ship during the war years. With the return of peace, however, Hugh Mulzac found himself cast out, at sea, like bilge water. In the psyche of official American anything black was red! And Mulzac had not only identified with militant maritime trade unionism, but also moved and had his being in such black organisations as the NAACP, the National Negro Congress, the Council of African Affairs, and the Council for West Indian Federation. Finally, he enlisted in the American Labour Party. Mulzac’s condemnation of the hysterical anti-communist Mc Carthyism that drained America in the 1950s, was to have a prophetic ring. “In short, these activities have to be seen for what they are, attempts to suppress independent political thinking, compel conformity, and to mobilise the people of America to support the adventure of a war-minded group of leaders who, in their desperation, can think of no way out of their dilemma but nuclear war to annihilate all mankind. Every dissenter for this national goal was to be labelled “Communist”. After being successfully engaged in long and tedious court battles to clear his name and obtain a certificate of political sea worthiness, Mulzac left his adopted home a somewhat disillusioned but still determined fighter. A personal touch I met Captain Mulzac in the mid1960s when he returned to St. Vincent in the evening of his days. I was then Extra-Mural Resident Tutor. We warmed toward each other, and got along like a house on fire. Captain Mulzac gave two public talks sponsored by the Department of ExtraMural studies as well as conducted a well-attended course of lectures on general seamanship. His legs might have been a little unsteady then, and Continued on Page 22.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 9.
Letters
ULP’s poor governance PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph E Gonsalves and his regime’s extremely poor governance have bought our once blessed nation to its knees. Many households, with unemployment high among its adult members, find it difficult to provide nutritious food for their children. As a result, these children have low attention capabilities and deliver poor grades. It is from among these young people, who fail or drop out of the system, that crime breeds. As we can see, the ULP style of governance has resulted in an economic slowdown. The ULP regime has turned blind eyes to agriculture production, putting international airport and tourism development before our nation’s health. All of this has given rise to increased pockets of poverty and income equality. And what do we see as a government response? An increase in the number of people on Poor Relief about which the ULP boasts as a ‘great accomplishment’. It is time we take our country out of the hands of those that permit the slave masters style of leadership to prevail in our once blessed country. Kadmiel McFee War Hero, British War Veteran
who they are and will, at some time, have to answer to their consciences, if the people don’t make them answer WHEN I was growing up, But that did not deter before their consciences my parents and me from being honest do. grandparents drilled into throughout my youth I refer readers to the my head that regardless and well into adulthood. outbreak of coronavirus of the situation you might You see, being honest starting in Wuhan, find yourself in, “Honesty means not lying. Even China. Who knows, if is the best policy.” I have the Creator — the Maker the authorities were tried to live by that policy, of Mankind - tells us in more forthcoming, and have taught my own Ephesians 4:25: truthful about the children to live by it. “Therefore, each of you threat, it might not have Needless to say, in must put off falsehood spread at the rate that it this world of and speak truthfully to did. imperfection, standing your neighbour, for we Speaking the truth by that policy has not are all members of one benefits us all; both the always turned out to be body.” speaker and those who a happy experience for That is great advice: listen to it. A lie is me. I remember telling Speak the truth to each nothing more than a my teacher the person other. plaster on a sore, who was always sticking I am saddened by the something that might chewing gum under the fact that there have reap temporary benefit chairs and desk. My been too many occasions that eventually will cost classmates held that in our country, when we (us) much more than against me for almost a have fallen woefully that temporary benefit. term since the person I short of the truth. Politicians especially named was suspended. Those who are guilty of should accept this as a It was a long time before not speaking the truth, universal law. that person befriended those who are guilty of me again. hiding the truth know Retiree, Arnos Vale
The truth
sold weed and no ‘burning’ in public spaces like banks, utility companies, in buses, government offices and schools. There MUST be stiff fines for offenders including community service that must be enforced, but not jail time. And finally, it is a sin not to legalize the herb for recreational and spiritual use. One of my posters on the day of the peaceful protest when the medical marijuana Bill was passed, read: ‘Half the way benefits only half the people, but ALL the way benefits All the people’. Protoje once sang “ …a word unto the wise is enough.” Thanks for publishing.
JUST SOME random thoughts on this whole question of gender-based violence which, as I see it, is actually violence against women by men, and nothing about violence by women against men. So, Mr. Editor, we may as well stop trying to be ‘nice’ about it and call a spade a spade. Ours is a situation of men taking advantage — physically and otherwise — of our women. Tell me, when last did you hear about a complaint by a man that his woman friend or wife had battered him? Even if he was battered, the way our society is skewed, he would have to have plenty guts to do so. Now I hear some women shouting advice to women who endure an abusive relationship with their man friend or husband, to leave that common habitat. That is easier said than done. How often have we heard that the men in these situations do all they can do to prevent the woman from leaving? And even when and if they (women) do leave, how often have we heard that the men stalk and harass the women even, as in a case I am aware of, there is a court order preventing the man from being anywhere near his woman friend/wife? Further, it is all well and good to say leave; but do these women have anywhere safe to go? Do they have resources of their own? This is where the state comes in. I hear government talk about building and supporting homes for women in these situations. They should stop all the talk and get cracking on these homes, or else there might be another tragedy. I also hear all kinds of people advising abused women to report their cases to the police. See what happened recently when a woman made ‘endless’ reports? It is all well and good to say report it to the police; but when there is no one to police the police to make certain they look into these reports, all sense of trust and order breaks down. And it appalled me when an individual reported to me that when she reported her case to the police, it seemed to have fallen on deaf ears, to the extent that that police officer took advantage of her weaknesses, made overly friendly advances toward her, resulting in what that person said was that her complaints were never addressed because the advances were not welcomed. I don’t want to think that it’s all doom and gloom for women who suffer physical abuse at the hands of their men friends and/or husbands. But it seems from all appearance, that unless we change our mindset, from the top echelons of the state bureaucracy to the smallest individual, we will be spinning top in mud for a very long time, and in the meantime women will continue to be at the receiving end of our men who feel they are God’s gifts to women. Fools!!!
Donald A. De Riggs
Disturbed
Missing a golden opportunity NEARLY 6 months have passed since the Medical Marijuana Bill was passed, doctors consulted and NOT one prescription issued. The rate at which things are proceeding is not in keeping with a progressive government, and, during all this time, opportunities are being wasted. This could have been out first season where (and it is not too late) all passengers on cruise lines visiting St. Vincent could have been informed that medical marijuana is available by prescription, giving our pharmacies and medical clinics a virtual high in sales, and why not … we produce and are capable of producing the best. The benefits could have even been better if
recreational ganja was legalized, then our Coffee, Cocoa and Coconut shops would have been filled with patrons, all leaving SVG with a big smile on their faces, and looking forward to another opportunity of coming to SVG, maybe as stay over visitors. Taxis, tour operators — sea and land, medical clinics and pharmacies, in short, all services directly or indirectly related to the Tourism industry would have had a bumper season with profits, to allow them to upgrade their service for the next season. Let me here reiterate that when legal, there is a responsibility by the users as well as the vendors. School children should not be
Abusing women – some thoughts
Office AttendantsÊ Pension
We know that pension is paid based on your last salary and also the A PENSION is very recommend that some We all know that become pensionable. This number of contributions made to the NIS. So, a important when one consideration be given to Office Attendants work is irrespective of how retires. The nonthese persons. very hard and play an well they serve. Imagine higher paid job would attract a higher NIS contributory pension On the topic of important role in the day a lazy politician and contribution and a better comes in very handy for pension, some to day operations of corrupt ones receiving pension. many retired persons. consideration must be Government Ministries. pension after only 9 Since the NIS pension However, while it is given to making I recommend that after years in Parliament, at age 65 is based on the commendable that (Government) Office serving for 10 years, that while the hard-working person’s contribution, it increases have been Attendants pensionable. they be made Office Attendants means that the lower given to civil servants Imagine an office pensionable. This will serving over twenty and some other sectors, attendant retiring at age give a cushion for years have no pension at scale workers, like the Office Attendant at age it has been quite awhile 60 with no pension, but survival when they the end of retirement. 65 years, would not there has not been an has to wait until the age retire, while they wait And as I said earlier, receive a relatively increase in nonof 65 before he/she can for their NIS benefit in we know that nonattractive pension. contributory pensions. If get a pension from the five years time. contributory pensions Therefore, it is all the my memory serves me NIS. How are those Come to think about would have also given right, the last increase persons to survive for the it, politicians after service of many years to more reason why Office was some eight years (8 five years? This to me is serving 9 consecutive the country, but has seen Attendants having served 10yrs should be yrs) ago. I here an injustice. years in Parliament little increase.
made pensionable. I trust that this wrong would be made right. Let Love reign along with Kindness. Kennard King
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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
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Private Sector, FDI & Entrepreneurship
Excerpts from the 2020 budget address Introduction Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is open for business like never before, and the private sector – both local and foreign – is recognising the diverse investment opportunities that exist in our country. This Government has been active and energetic in the pursuit of partnerships that advance our developmental aspirations. We have worked hard to create facilitating environments for businesses – both legislatively and administratively. We have aggressively targeted businesses and sectors that we consider to be ripe for growth and expansion. And we have worked with individual investors to understand their needs, while aligning those needs with our goals of peoplecentred development, wealth and job creation. Since the opening of the Argyle International Airport, we have called on the local, regional and international private sector to take another look at the investment opportunities available in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The private sector is answering that call. The constant drumbeat of ground breakings and ribbon cuttings by private sector entities is music to our ears. Investments In the hospitality sector, private sector entities are building Royal Mill, Black Sands, Myah’s Luxury Suites. The Liming Hotel in Bequia has just enjoyed its first year of activity, and it has already joined existing hotels nationwide in expanding to capitalise on increased demand. The Sandy Lane Yacht Club and Residences in Canouan is now fully operational. The luxury residences and spectacular berth marina uniquely position Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as the potential epicentre for high-end, super yacht tourism. In agriculture, the Saint Vincent Cocoa Company is the largest private landowner, largest private employer of farmers, and exporter of high quality chocolate, while Shenton Coffee Farms has produced a new specialty coffee that will be exported this year. In fisheries, Ocean Marine Shipping Agencies and the Bequia Seafood Company are hiring hundreds of Vincentians and exporting millions of dollars worth of fish and seafood. As promised, Rainforest Seafoods will also commence operations this year, further expanding our fisheries sector. Our Digicel and Clear Harbor call centres, continue to grow, with Clear Harbor, in particular, scheduled to have hundreds of Vincentians on their payroll by year’s end. This year, many of the recipients of medicinal cannabis licences will commence operations, adding to the growing private sector momentum. Existing investors — from the One Saint Vincent Group in Glen to Kendra’s Aluminum in Campden Park to the Sandy Lane investors in Canouan — have ambitious expansion plans.
Illegal abuse of the overdraft, lawless Government! (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement. Pt. 2)
Over the last decade, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has routinely been one of the largest per capita attractors of Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean.51 Our pursuit and facilitation of business, investment and entrepreneurship continues in 2020. In May, Invest SVG will host Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ first-ever Investment Forum, which will showcase our nation and certain well-researched opportunities to targeted regional and international investors. In addition to the work of Invest SVG, our consulates and investment facilitation officers abroad continue to do invaluable work in providing information and steering foreign investors to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Our newly-established Ease of Doing Business Unit, announced in last year’s budget, is in the process of identifying and analysing impediments to establishing and engaging in business in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These impediments, from banking and customs regulations to legislative or information deficits, will be comprehensively addressed in 2020.
Entrepreneurial Culture A central focus of Budget 2020 is the development and support of an entrepreneurial culture in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly among the youth. Our objective is to encourage entrepreneurship and institutionalise systems of support for entrepreneurs and microenterprises. In addition to placing an additional $1 million in the Farmers’ Support Revolving Fund and launching the $2.4 million Promoting Youth Microenterprises (PRYME) programme, this Government continues its careful nurturing of entrepreneurial spirit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Invest SVG Angel Investor programme, launched in 2019, provided local entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their products and services directly to interested investors, and to receive constructive analysis of their business plans. Meanwhile, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that have been unable to secure loans from local banks can take advantage of the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC), which becomes fully operational this year. The ECPCGC, which is funded by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and other OECS governments, helps these small businesses by partially guaranteeing their loans, thereby increasing banks’ willingness to lend. We expect scores of local businesses to benefit from these partial guarantees in 2020. By the end of 2019, 25 entrepreneurs were awarded $2.6 million in CARCIP grants for their technology-enabled Expos etc. This year, National Properties plans businesses. These entrepreneurs — whose businesses ranged from to convert the vacant passenger agriculture to media production to terminal building at the former ET engineering — each received an average Joshua Airport to a modern retail and grant of over $70,000 to help fund their entertainment plaza. National Properties has been overwhelmed by the business establishment and growth. In 2020, nine of these entrepreneurs will number of expressions of interest from continue to receive the requisite local business entities. That facility, to training, and are slated to drawdown be anchored by existing Kingstown$420,000 in grants. Never before have based companies, will open in the entrepreneurs and ICT adopters in second half of 2020. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Last October, the Government continued to showcase the diversity and received such massive grant support to pursue their dreams. depth of the Vincentian private sector Of course, not every entrepreneurial with the Agri Expo49 and the foray will end with success. Everything Vincy Expo. These two Entrepreneurship is, by definition, events highlighted hundreds of local risky. Not every foreign investor will producers, manufacturers and service deliver on its initial objectives or providers to thousands of Vincentian promises — such is the nature of private consumers. The popularity of these enterprise. However, this Government Expos, with consumers and exhibitors recognises that a vibrant business and alike, means that they will continue to solidify their status as can’t miss events entrepreneurial sector plays an indispensible developmental role within in our annual calendar. our existing economic structure.
IT IS CLEAR that, when one looks at the performance of this government, that the overdraft provision, an important aspect of our country’s finances, has been abused and unlawfully used as an additional source of finance way beyond what is permitted by the law. To give you a better sense of the government’s abuse of the overdraft, I have set out here the situation for the period 2009-2018. The end of year overdraft balances (consequently the opening balances for the following year) for the years 2009-2018:
The year-end overdraft for 2019 is $31.6 million borrowed at an 8% interest at the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG). In other words, the guardrails have been breached by the government. The guardrails are to help to prevent those who are in the government from running amok with respect to the country’s finances and to do so in the dark, without accountability and transparency. They have run-off the road of responsible financial management and they have steered the country towards a financial cliff. In other words, the finances of the government are in deep trouble. But those responsible continue to ignore the problem and to ridicule those who expose it. Let us look a little closer at the Estimates for 2018. By September 2017, the overdraft was at $72.3 million way beyond the authorized limit of $50 million. That is a lot of money. The overdraft limit has been raised by this government to $50million now. I think it is too high. But the ULP government obviously does not think it is high enough, because they keep exceeding the limit set by Parliament. The Minister of Finance must have realized that he had to do something about the situation. Or, perhaps the bank pleaded with the government to do something to bring the overdraft facility into legal compliance. So, the Minister agreed with the bank that since they can’t pay off the overdraft, come 2018; $40 million of the overdraft would be converted into a loan. No resolution under Section 44 was done as it turned out, the actual outturn for 2017 was a total overdraft of $57.4 million plus the $40 million converted loan. So, it would have been over $97million had they not converted part into an ongoing loan. This was done essentially in the dark and was only explained in a footnote to the 2018 estimates. Imagine that! A mere footnote to tell us that they were unlawfully borrowing money without
parliament’s approval. Indeed, without even as much as coming to parliament and explaining it after they had done it. The record (i.e. Estimates) shows other similar loans on the books at 30/9/2017. Account General Overdraft loan - BOSVG, $23,183 170 (8.5% int.) and Account General Loan — BOSVG, $15,000 000 (6.5% int) The 2019 Estimates reports: Accountant General Overdraft LoanBOSVG, $17,487,440 (8.5% int); Accountant General Overdraft Loan II — BOSVG, $39,205,968 (7% int) and Accountant General Loan — BOSVG, $13.7m (6.5% int) Also, the 2020 Estimates reports: Accountant General Overdraft LoanBOSVG, $36,739,059 (8.5% int); Accountant General Overdraft Loan II — BOSVG, $9,675,487 (7% int) and Accountant General Loan- BOSVG, $12,211,130 (6.5% int) There was no authorization from Parliament to borrow more than $50m, yet the Government did. There was no authorization from Parliament to take an on-going loan at BOSVG; yet the government did. The government has been unlawful by: (1). Exceeding the ($50million) overdraft limit set by resolution of Parliament. (2). By not paying down the overdraft by year end as the law requires. And (3) By converting the overdraft to ongoing loans, called Accountant General Loan, without prior authorization from Parliament to take those loans, and hence making them part of the stock of public debt. The management of the BOSVG must be concerned when they see the government’s overdraft climbing beyond the legal limit and realize, as year-end approaches, that the money would not be repaid as required. As for the country’s finances, as I said in the Budget Debate, it is like the government is playing a bad hand of Pedro (the card game) because it begins every financial year in the hole, as the outstanding overdraft is still to be paid. This reckless, lawless borrow and spend practice by the government is costing the country dearly. Because the overdraft and the overdraft loans carry high rates of interest between 6.5% and 12%; no wonder the debt service payments are going up and now account for nearly 40% of current revenue. Is St. Vincent and the Grenadines a modern democratic country, or is it the plaything of those in government, especially the present and past Ministers of Finance, to do with as they please without accountability? The government must be accountable to the people through Parliament. It must respect the laws governing the finances of the country. And, most of all, it must respect the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and show this by managing the finances of the country in the best interest of the people. That is what a responsible democratic government does. But sadly, this ULP Government has failed miserably to meet even that basic standard. The people demand better and must work for better and together bring about the change our country so badly needs.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 11.
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New Beginnings
The triumph of the political party
“The thing about new beginnings is that they require something else to end.” - Blair Cornelia Waldorf – character in the Gossip Girls series of beginnings. James Banks, writing in the Our novels. Daily Bread devotional booklet, shares a wonderful story of an THERE IS SO MUCH that we can learn from nature. Observing plants, insects, individual who experienced a new beginning. His introductory and animals often provide multiple paragraph is shared here to sources of inspiration and encourage and inspire readers as it encouragement. It is therefore no did me when I first read it: wonder that the New Testament in the Geoff is a youth pastor today in the bible captures many lessons where our same city where he once abused Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, taught heroin. God transformed both his His followers through the use of parables involving nature. For example, heart and his circumstances in a breathtaking way. “I want to keep He refers to sheep following the kids from making the same mistakes shepherd, the potential in the mustard and suffering the pain I went seed, the germination of seeds under through,” Geoff said. “And Jesus will various conditions, and so on. help them.” Over time, God set him The seed must die to allow the free from the slavery of addiction and plant to grow. Similarly, the cocoon has given him a vital ministry in spite must give way to the butterfly. In of his past. their own way, they experience new Stories like these remind us that beginning. These are the realities of we all have the potential, the life … and death … and new capacity, the ability to turn a new leaf beginnings. As we approach the and experience the blessings of new various of milestones of life, we may beginnings. Even when we have experience varying degrees of failed, or messed up badly, we have trepidation. However, these the capacity to turn those failures and transitions often provide us with foibles around and use them to fuel opportunities for reflection and positive changes in our lives and the enhanced preparation for new lives of others. We may have failed, beginnings. Some individuals, but that does not mean that we are organisations, and societies failures. New beginnings are traditionally set aside time for possible. This is as true for the introspection and stocktaking. It is heroin addict as it is for the thief, the useful to examine past decisions and adulterer, and the liar. determine what may have worked As long as there is life, there will well or what did not. The end of the be opportunities for new beginnings. calendar year or the approaching We are encouraged by those birthday may be considered most individuals who, although advancing appropriate to do so. However, any time can be the right time to assess a in age, look for new opportunities — new beginnings. Les Brown reminds given situation and determine how us that, “You are never too old to set best to improve. In doing so, it may another goal or dream a new dream.” become necessary to decide on new These thoughts encourage us to approaches and/or contemplate new pursue our noble dreams even as we beginnings. age. New beginnings can be We can be encouraged by the life of accompanied by anxiety or trauma. Colonel Harland David Sanders The aging process, for example, is often accompanied by varying degrees (1890-1980) who established the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise of anxiety. The creeping infant is late in life. During his early life, he understandably nervous when she is worked as an insurance salesman and able to stand erect and walk. The as an operator at a gas filling station. child transiting to adulthood is However, during the Great understandably cautious as he Depression (1929-1933), he opted to becomes conscious of the changes in his body and mind as he is evolving to sell fried chicken from a roadside restaurant in North Corbin, adulthood. Adolescence can be so Kentucky, USA. It is said that it was very traumatic if not properly understood how and why the physical during this period that he developed and emotional changes are occurring. his “special secret recipe”. In addition, he had enough foresight to In each of these examples the individual is challenged to move from patent his special pressure fryer. His successes with this first operation one phase of life to begin a new one. encouraged him to consider expanding New beginnings are also evident his operations through franchising. when individuals are changing jobs, The first KFC franchise was opened engaged in academic pursuits, in South Salt Lake, Utah, USA, in regrouping after a broken 1952. Today, KFC has franchises in relationship, recovering from drug 142 countries (2018) and boasts of addiction, coping with retirement, recovering after an injury, and so on. having in excess of 20,000 outlets. We can learn many useful lessons So very often, we see the trauma as a from the foregoing. First and crisis. Sometimes, in those foremost, we should appreciate the circumstances, we can easily tend to fact that a depression (or a crisis) can lose hope and wallow in self-pity. open many opportunities for good and Others may slip into depression, for growth. Secondly, it is possible to having thought that all is lost. engage in fruitful new beginnings at a However, we need to be reminded relatively old age. We, you and I, that while a crisis tends to signal should be forever alert to new “danger”, they often present possibilities and new beginnings. numerous opportunities. We just need to develop the discipline to focus Send comments, criticisms & on the situation, intent on seeing the suggestions to opportunities and being proactive julesferdinand@gmail.com enough to embrace the new
THERE IS A LOCAL SAYING that goes something like this: ‘Blood is thicker than water, and politics makes for the thickest ties of all.’ Simply put, it means that while people may enter and end family, religious and business relationships during a lifetime, the strongest bond they form is with a political party. This is a phenomenal development considering that political parties are only two generations old having come into existence in SVG in 1950. We were told that the family, church and schools are the most critical institutions of socializations. It is from these centuries old institutions that we get our basic understanding of life. So, what has happened? How is it that the political party, an institution that entered our lives about 70 years ago, has come to take such a dominant place in the collective psyche of our nation? What caused political parties to eclipse the family, church and school, and force them to give way or bend them into its liking? To understand this development, which we have repeatedly lamented as being unfortunate, and which every Vincentian should endeavour to reverse, we must take a close look at our society and where it was in the first half of the 20th century. St Vincent and the Grenadines remains an underdeveloped, resourcestarved country. It is a place where government has a major stranglehold over literally every aspect of life. Government is the single largest employer. The private sector remains small, and many of these businesses depend on government support and patronage to survive, prosper or make a profit. Joshua’s People’s Political Party (PPP) emerged in the 1950s when the ruling planter class dominated the economy. It treated the majority population, which comprised persons of African ancestry, and whose parents, in the main were captured and brought here as enslaved Africans, as less than human. Our forebears did backbreaking work on plantations owned mainly by persons of European extraction. It was Joshua who went to these rural plantations and fought for our parents and grand parents. It was Joshua who imbued them with what Rex Nettleford, the Jamaican intellectual and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies described as ‘somebodyness’. It was Joshua who taught them to be proud of who they were and to be dignified in what they do. All this time they had family. They had the church too, but in the main the church taught them to trust and obey because this world was not their home. Paradise and eternal bliss in heaven awaited those who lived for Christ. The St Vincent Labour Party of Milton Cato emerged in 1956 mainly as a foil to the militancy of Joshua’s PPP. It was a grouping of middle-class elements, the commercial and educated elite. On the political hunt, it sought to convince the black majority that Joshua’s PPP was too militant, and that Cato and his band of educated men will better serve them. While Cato’s Labour Party tinkered here and there with the economy, most of the people remained mired in poverty and mostly dependent on government. By the time Mitchell’s NDP emerged in the 1970s following the demise of the Peoples Political Party, the contest for
the
hearts and minds of the people emerged in earnest. Cato’s Labour Party dominated from 1974 to 1984, and Mitchell from 1984 to 2001. Mitchell’s biggest stamp on the memory of the people was the purchase of estates from plantation owners and their distribution and/or occupation by villagers. The best example of this being ‘Freedom estate’ in Lauders. All these governments before sought to use political patronage to bind supporters. When a proper study is done, it will be demonstrated beyond doubt that no party was as effective as Ralph Gonsalves Unity Labour Party in distributing goodies to supporters and the population at large. From lands to houses, university scholarships to jobs, help to the elderly and repairs to the homes of poor, plus the election year distribution of cement, lumber, galvanize and steel; none before did more to bind supporters to the leaders and the brand. All of this happened at a time when there was a conscious effort on the part of all post-independence leaders to consciously bend, break or destroy civil society organization. In the 1980s, literally every village across this country had a community development organization. These groups have mostly disappeared. Where they still exist, they are a shadow of their former selves. The National Youth Council (NYC) was given a warning to depart. All too many union leaders know the party song much better than their organization’s constitution; churches are split down the middle because one side supports this or that political party or politician. The saddest development of all is where family members no longer speak to each other because of political allegiance. In some cases, they curse and fight over this or that political issue or leader. We may leave church or union, refuse to talk to a family member, neighbour or friend, but come hell or high water, disrespect, neglect or abuse from our politicians, too often, too many of us declare that we love our party and will remain loyal until death. Sadly, we have come to this because the political party has become the most important and dominant institution in our country. Supporters are not taught to question anything. Blind loyalty is cultivated. To interrogate power or authority is to invite the wrath of the leaders who send coded messages as to how supporters are to deal with ‘troublesome’ individuals and contrarians. No one is encouraged to use their minds for independent investigations. The leader said it. I believe it; woe be onto you who challenge what the leaders say. We are encouraged to be angry at the messenger and disregard the message. We have now arrived at a murky place where narrow, partisan politics has triumphed over the best interest of the people. We need to untie the ties that bind and get to a place where our country stand Supreme over self promotion. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
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Immense inequality is so apparent in SVG
WARRANT Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA strongly contends that inequality in SVG is real. It can be seen throughout the country. Black, poor and powerless, together with illiteracy, provide the base for inequality in SVG. There is a huge difference between people living in extreme wealth, and at the other end, people who can’t afford a packet of bread or one good meal a day. Thousands of households are unable to feed their children adequately and send their children to school. Thousands are unable to afford running water and electricity in their homes. Yet, those living in extreme wealth import cars, yachts and aircraft, some with hefty concessions on import duties and taxes. The differential must be seen as a human rights abuse. Many of the poorer black population in SVG are helpless, and live in destitution and squalor because of high levels of unemployment and poverty, fueled by financial inequality. Gonsalves’ focus on tourism as the engine of the SVG economy is killing our country. The SVG economy is very weak, and money is not circulating our country. This focus on tourism as the engine of the SVG economy has caused a substantial rise in poverty, unemployment and crime in SVG. Barbados has focused on tourism for over 60 years, yet Barbados is still very poor. The Barbados poverty report of 2017 revealed that those living in non-extreme poverty more than tripled from 3.8 per cent to 13.8 per cent. More women are trapped below the poverty line and more women were also counted among the extreme poor than men (4.15% compared to 2.4%). The report says that education is seen as one way out of this vicious cycle. Singapore is seen as a World Bank economic success story. After
independence in 1965, Singapore’s economic development was focused, not on tourism, but on high-quality education and skills training. Singapore invested up to 50% of its expenditure each year on pre-schools, schools and universities, and made education totally free from pre-school to university for all of Singapore’s children. Today, Singapore has the highest percentage of millionaire households as a share of a country’s total households at 15.5%; Singapore is ranked as the most attractive country for foreign investors in the Asia-Pacific region and attracts 52% of foreign investment in its region; Singapore
topped the charts for highest GDP per capita in 2010 at close to EC$152,636; Singapore has a GDP of EC$810 billion; Singapore has a very low unemployment rate of 1.9%; and, more than 70% of Singapore resident nonstudents aged 25-34 have a university education. In contrast, the incompetent Gonsalves invests only about 1.41% of expenditure on education in 2019 and bases the economy on tourism. The result is an explosion in crime, poverty and unemployment, businesses closing down due to lack of sales and a very weak economy. SVG needs a modern economy focused on exports. We need factories,
a tuna fishing and canning industry, fresh drinking water exports, agroprocessing and new infrastructure such as a science and technology university and hospitals. This would create thousands of new jobs and bring poor households out of poverty. The tax burden on the indigenous black population and the financial inequality between super-rich white migrants and the poorer black population, is an example of economic genocide. SVG needs change now!!!!
The books cannot balance we at this point when CXC has made provision for our success by Accountability: 2019 CSEC results for introducing School Based Assessment in Mathematics? Is the Education POA, POB, and Mathematics Revolution responsible for the 2/3 failure rate in Mathematics? What are FOR THE LONGEST time now, the students, teachers, administrators, books are not balanced. We live in and policy makers doing about this debt. We live “hand to mouth,” from persistent problem? paycheck to paycheck. Accountability There is a theory that a pass in is the fashionable word of the day, but Mathematics is now the limiting factor we are not able to account to to access higher education and jobs. ourselves, not only for our finances but Consequently, there may not be the also our actions. We desperately need motivation to have more students financial advisors. How to balance our passing as it may put stress on the job personal budget is a big challenge. If providers and the college admission only we had the knowledge of how to do it. Is there a seminar some place or personnel. But I do not think that this can be an official policy. Or is it? One a course at the Community College? of the main functions of a College Do the professional associations offer education should be to train students such a course? to be employers. Based on the 2019 CSEC results, our future financial advisors show a Tackling the Maths issue pass rate of 78% for Economics, 80% for Principles of Accounts, 87% for Based on my own empirical Principles of Business, and 33% for research and experience, vast Mathematics. Can we trust advisors who have not mastered the minimum improvement in the Mathematics performance can be made if: standards in Mathematics? Why are 1. All teachers are required to have a pass in Mathematics to enter and remain in the profession; 2. Students are scheduled for a minimum of 1 hour of instruction in Mathematics in every class every day; 3. Students are mandated to have all the materials needed for studying the subject as indicated by the teacher, that may include text book, Geometry set and calculator; 4. Students are organized to help each other through cooperative learning; 5. Parents provide support and encouragement; 6. Students do the work and practise extensively; 7. Teachers are provided with necessary training and paid adequately. It is not uncommon for students to be trying to borrow calculators and geometry sets to write examinations. One wonders what they were using to prepare for the examinations. Many students do not have the discipline of how to prioritize their spending so that they can secure what they need to help them succeed. Some often remark, “My belly comes first.” They too have a problem balancing their own budgets and need guidance. The National Budget used to be preceded by widespread consultations followed by the debate in December. Apparently, there is no consultation like in the past, and the debate is by ANTHONY STEWART, PhD
usually postponed to January of the next year, perhaps due to budgetary constraints. Nevertheless, let us all prepare for Personal, Organizational, and National budgets by servicing all our debts- loans, utilities bills, and taxes. The Budget and Accounts may not balance as yet, but perhaps if we apply some genuine Mathematical formula relating to cause and effect, we may obtain a pass. Just as the National Budget needs our supporting taxes, so too we must tax our brains to provide our hard-working Mathematics teachers with the support they need to motivate students to achieve. The task of correcting systemic deficiencies in students with low expectation, who are demotivated, unprepared, without tools and with inadequate support, is daunting. Mathematics teachers need the collective effort and support of everyone.
Keeping school financial records The Business teachers and students must be congratulated for the creditable results in the Business subjects: Economics, Principles of Accounts, and Principles of Business. This means that schools have the technical resources to make their own yearly budgets and to account for the substantial funds they raise and expend. Nothing should prevent them from keeping school financial records according to international financial accounting standards. Internal auditors can also monitor the records to ensure that standard procedures are followed. If and when this is done in schools, there would be a greater capacity to understand the National Budget, to determine the authenticity and reasonableness of the figures presented, and to value the role of the Public Accounts Committee in its oversight role. Non-government organizations would also have a larger pool of potential Budget officers, Treasurers, and Auditors, and this is where we may get our future financial advisors. In the next National Budget, we look forward to funding for the training and adequate remuneration for Mathematics teachers, funding for adequate numbers of Auditors, and the provision of financial audits for the previous year. Provision of timely financial information is essential for proper planning. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit.”
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 13.
Outreach
Black Sands brightens Children’s Home BLACK SANDS SWIM SQUAD (BSSS) raced Black Sands swimmers, against the clock out of the pool on parents and Sunday 23rd February, bent on ensuring volunteers who completion of its inaugural community ensured the project – cleaning and painting the project was Salvation Army Children’s Home in complete. (Photo Pembroke. Credit: BSSS) According to information received, it was swim mom Shivern Peters who brought the project to the attention of Black Sands Coach Kyle Dougan back in January 2020. Together they formed a planning team consisting of Jake Heimann, Loren Gun-Munro and Akin John to plan and execute the project. With a February deadline date set for completion, the team set about conducting fundraising events, and leaned on many local businesses for donations. When the day drew nigh, BSSS organised hosting the children and staff at Shrewsbury Aquatic Center for the day, allowing 16 BSSS swimmers, along with their parents and other volunteers, to successfully carry out the project in just nine hours. The extent of the undertaking resulted in all interior rooms being painted and all light fittings were replaced. In addition, Living Art Landscaping transformed the garden by donating over 40 ornamental plants, and also planting lettuce, kale, cabbage, sweet pepper, tomato, basil, rosemary and thyme. Soursop, plum rose, golden apple, five finger, guava, cocoa and cherry trees were also planted. The friends and family of BSSS have reached out to extend thanks to Soho House (Canouan), former and current Mustique homeowners and Equinox International for their financial contributions; G.I. Investments for steam cleaning all of the mattresses, Dover Electrical Services for giving their electrical expertise for the day; Mr. Bennett and his team of professional painters; Kaitlin Rhode and Robyn Milloy of St. James’ Medical College for contributing their time; Knolly B for his fantastic grilled chicken, and the many, many local generous individual and business sector donors. (Source: SSS)
Members of Living Art Landscaping who gave of their expertise to transform the garden and surrounding areas. (Photo Credit: BSSS)
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14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Community
Becket Benefit Organisation is six years old
THE BECKET BENEFIT ORGANISATION (BBO) is six years old and, as has been its custom every year their anniversary comes around, they are inviting residents of Layou and surrounding communities to join them in a series of celebratory activities. Tomorrow, Saturday 29th February, residents are invited to join the members of the BBO in a Beach Clean-up activity at Jackson Bay, widely patronized by Layou residents and others. The Clean-up begins at 6:30 in the morning and, according to one resident, “there would be no better way to close off the Clean-up than with a nice sea water bath.” Activities take on an air of moderation on Sunday 1st March with a Thanksgiving Service at the Methodist Church, scheduled for 7:00am. Residents are invited to attend a Public Lecture and Discussion on Mental Health on Monday 2nd March at the Roman Catholic Centre (RCC). While it is yet to be confirmed, the BBO is anticipating that the lecture would be delivered by Miss Roselle Solomon. In the event that Miss Solomon is unavailable, another person from the Ministry of Health will deliver the lecture and lead the ensuing discussion. Lecture time is set for 6:30pm. Tuesday is a ‘rest day’. Activities return on Wednesday 4th March with an evening of Indoor Games at the RRC. As has been the case in previous years, a variety of indoor games is expected to provide excitement and a lot of laughs, amidst some healthy competition involving children, young adults and adults. Games get going at 6:00pm for this community activity. Thursday takes residents outdoors to the Layou Hard Court for an evening of fun and sports, commencing at 6:00pm.
Executive members of the BBO at a handing over of workbooks to the Layou Government School, in 2017.
BBO Executive Members of an earlier term with founder Alston Becket Cyrus (seated front extreme left).
Anniversary celebrations climax on Friday 6th March with a big fun walk around Layou. Young and old alike are invited to “walk for fun” from six o’clock in the evening. The Walk begins at and returns to the Velox Corner.
Fulfilling the mission Founder of the BBO Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus has always had a focus on his native Layou, and the Organisation which he conceived and founded in 2014 is similarly intended. It was formalised in January 2015. The mission of the BBO, a not-for-profit organisation, is one of engendering ‘...love, peace and unity within the community of Layou, through …assisting, guiding and supporting the community in concerns related to health, education, sport, culture and the environment, and to assist in times of disaster'. Already, during its relatively short existence, the BBO has assisted with health and medicals needs to individuals in the community of Layou, and has also assisted with the provision of material to the Layou Government (Primary) School. Students, including the top ten performers in 2019 CEPA, have also received direct assistance. And the BBO has added
Gift baskets were distributed to a number of needy persons as part of BBO 5th Anniversary activities. another staple attraction to the Annual National Carnival Celebration with its ‘Annual Top Layou Government School performers in the 2019 CEPA received Soca Masters Concerts, which special awards from the BBO. marked its fifth neighbouring communities to Children in Layou and edition last year. beyond now look forward to make their 6th Anniversary the Christmas Party hosted Celebration meaningful. for them by the BBO, and the As one member noted, “Our August 1st Family Fun and Celebrations always involve Aquatic Sports Day is quickly the people, who support us becoming the place to be on and whom we support.” that day. THE VINCENTIAN extends As always, the executive congratulations to the Becket and members of the BBO are Benefit Organisation on its looking forward to the support sixth Anniversary, and wishes of residents in Layou and it continued success as it works to make a meaningful Left: The Soca Masters and practical contribution to Concert has become a fixed the development of its home activity and is one of the community, Layou, and fund-raising ventures of the neighbouring communities. BBO.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 15.
Arts
Barbados International Film Festival praised
I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending,” said Marksman, whose film ‘The Republican’, was screened at the Walled Garden Theatre in Barbados, on Jan. 21. “The organizer went above and beyond to ensure filmmakers had opportunities to network with fellow filmmakers/artists, to see the beautiful island, as well as attend workshops to help improve our craft,” added Marksman, an associate story producer for the Manhattan-based Black Ink Crew Chicago S6 and an associate professor at Brooklyn’s Long Island University (LIU) Media Arts. Ronissha Marksman, Marksman — NY-based Vincentian whose parents Ruel and filmmaker. Her film ‘The Claudette Marksman hail from Georgetown Republican’ was and Park Hill, screened at the BIFF. respectively — said BIFF, which ran from Jan. 14 by NELSON A. KING to19, held its opening naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com gala at the Walled Garden Theatre. US CORRESPONDENT “It was a red carpet event with the premiere BROOKLYN, New Yorkof the film, ‘Joseph,’ based Vincentian directed and produced by filmmaker Ronissha local filmmaker Marica Marksman has heaped Weeks,” said Marksman, high praise on the stating that ‘Joseph’ is a recently-held Barbados International Film Festival film about a successful doctor, played by (BIFF). “BIFF is by far one of Jamaican actor Kevoy Burton, who is searching the best film festivals for his African roots,
despite apprehension from his family. “This film was shot in Barbados, Jamaica and Ghana, with notable stars such as Ghana’s Mawuli Kavor, and Barbadians Alison Hinds and Shontelle Layne,” she added. Prior to the opening night gala, Marksman said filmmakers were given the opportunity to show support for the ‘One Tree for Every Bajan’ programme by planting a tree in Walkers Reserve, St. Andrew. She said the screenings were held in several locations, such as the Walled Garden Theatre, the Copacabana and Limegrove Cinemas. BIFF also scheduled workshops on producing, screenwriting and editing for current and future filmmakers. The Awards Night and closing films were held on Jan. 19 on the beach at the Southern Palms Hotel. The BIFF 2020 Best of Festival Award went to Icelander Benedikt Erlingsson for the comedic tale, ‘Woman at War’. -The Best Feature Length Narrative Film was ‘Blinded by the Light’, written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, who also took home the Sir Trevor Carmichael and Jennifer Smith Founders Award “as an icon in the performing arts.” Marksman said ‘The Kid from Coney Island’,
directed by American dynamic duo ‘Coodie and Chike’, was recognized as Best Documentary Feature Film. Among other award recipients were Barbadian filmmaker and former BIFF volunteer Aerin Prescod, who received the Best Local Filmmaker Award for her “short-but-oh-sosweet ‘Queen of De Band’.” Marksman said. Marksman said festival co-founders presented musicians Roger Gittens and Andre Woodvine with the honorary award for Artistic Excellence for their contribution to music and film. Cuban filmmaker Gloria Rolando, who flew to Barbados to present ‘My Footsteps in Baraguá’, her 1996 documentary about Barbadians who moved to Cuba following the completion of the Panama Canal, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Benedikt Erlingsson received the McNeel Impact Award for his “interweaving environmental consciousness into the captivating and charming comedy feature, ‘Women at War’.” According to the BIFF website, “BIFF was created in 2016 to celebrate the opening of the newly-built The Walled Garden Theatre at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society.” Since then, BIFF said
Filmmakers got an opportunity to plant trees as part of the ‘One Tree for Every Bajan’ programme.
Marica Weeks (2nd from left), Director and Producer of the BIFF feature film ‘Joseph’, with some members of the cast, including Allison Hinds (left). it has expanded to venues across the island and has introduced an annual collaboration grant that supports the making of a short film about Barbados by a local and international
filmmaker. BIFF was co-founded by Sir Trevor Carmichael and Jennifer Smith. They are the CoDirectors and Executive Trustees for the Festival.
Youlou Arts launches after School Art Club ON THURSDAY, January 23rd, 2020, the Youlou Arts Foundation (YAF) launched its latest project - an After School Art Club - with students from the Sion Hill Government (Primary) School. This project has been in the making for some time, but the YAF was determined to ‘iron out the issues’ before launching. As such, therefore, The Youlou Arts organizers were able to resolve the nagging
issues such as transportation, the time and day to offer the programme, and finding an art instructor. Resolving these issues was considered paramount to making the project a success. At the moment, there are 15 children signed up for the After School Art Club. The Art Club is geared for children between the age of 5 to 12. It meets once per week for roughly and hour and a half.
And the Art Club is not only about providing an opportunity for children who do not receive a visual arts education at school. It provides a space where children can have fun, while developing various skills such as language, motor, and social skills. They also learn how to make decisions and take risks. In essence, the Project is aimed at getting the children to use their imagination — to be inventive and creative -
The Youlou Arts Foundation’s After School Art Club Project is all about encouraging children to be inventive and creative and having fun while learning. and have fun while learning. The After School Art Club Project is supported financially by several
local businesses and foundations in the USA, including MPB Bank Ltd., St. Hill Insurance, Bernard Hadley, the
Grenadine Partnership Fund and the Schleyer Foundation. (Source: Youlou Arts Foundation)
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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Youth
Kaleigh Davis is BrowniesÊ top Speaker
Christel SutherlandWinner of the Impromptu Segment
KALEIGH DAVIS of the St Mary’s #2 Brownie Pack spoke her way to the top of the SVG Girl Guides Association’s Annual Althea Commissiong Public Speaking Competition, which was staged last Friday at the Girl Guides Headquarters at Level Gardens. Davis got the judges’ nod as the overall winner, after the finalists had competed in two categories: a Prepared Speech and an Impromptu segment. The topic for the Prepared Speech was: ‘We are all taught to love our neighbor as ourselves. In what way
have you seen persons disobey this teaching, and how do you think each of us can try to do better?’ Davis was adjudged winner in this category. Taking the top position in the Impromptu category was Christel Sutherland of the St Mary’s 22nd Brownie Pack. She spoke on her ‘Birthday Party’. The other competitors were: Kemya Williams of the 1st Evesham Brownie Pack; Kenya Williams and Sunisha Harry of the 1st Marriaqua Brownie Pack; Kemora Ashton -
1st Troumaca Brownie Pack; Juliandra Sterling of the # 30 Open Brownie Guides Company; Ciandra Scarborough of the #13 CW Prescod Primary School Brownie Pack; and Rolicia Alvis of the 1st Pamelus Burke Government School Brownie Pack. Adjudicating at last Friday’s Competition were Althalie Soleyn, David Brown and Sudarmo Toby. The Public Speaking Competition formed part of the 106th anniversary of Girl Guiding here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. It also preceded World
Thinking Day, which was observed last Saturday, under the theme, ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’. World Thinking Day is a celebration that has taken place on every 22 February since 1926. It
Kaleigh Davis- Overall Winner. remains a day for all Brownies, Guides and Girl Scouts to think of each other and celebrate their sisters all around the world.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 17.
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18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
Industry
More VINLEC staff First Aid/CPR certified
safety and over the years, VINLEC has been providing First Aid/CPR training for a wide cross section of employees. A number of benefits of First Aid/CPR training for employers and employees were outlined by Environmental, Health and Safety Officer Mr. Demonstrating how to affix a Anthony Patterson at the splint as a first response to a opening of field injury. (Photo Credit: Monday’s session. VINLEC) He noted that in the event of a TWENTY-SEVEN EMPLOYEES work medical emergency, of St. Vincent Electricity a first aider’s response can Services Limited (VINLEC) be the difference between are now First/Aid CPR life and death. Moreover, Certified (Basic) following First Aid/CPR training two separate training help employees to be more sessions on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th February. mindful of safety in the workplace, Mr. Patterson The training, an posited. element of VINLEC’s And while he Health and Safety programme, is considered recognized that training programmes of this nature essential for workplace
are great team building exercises, he also noted that the skills and knowledge (gained) are useful outside of the work environment, as participants can administer First Aid and CPR to their family, friends and the public in an emergency. The First Aid training covered common scenarios including bleeding, burns, poisoning, shock, and respiratory emergencies, while the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training examined CPR for adults and CPR for children. The training was both theoretical and practical and allowed the participants the chance to put into practice some of the skills they acquired. It was facilitated by Mrs. Cassandra Farrell of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society and was held at the Cane Hall Training Room. (Source: VINLEC)
Vibration Analysis Training for VINLEC’s staff SEVEN PERSONS assigned to the Generation Department at St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) will complete a three-day training in Vibration Analysis today (February 28th). Vibration Analysis is a predictive form of maintenance which measures the amount of energy wasted during the Course participants taking a vibration reading on operation of a piece of an air compressor, under the watchful eye of equipment, and why a Course Facilitated Haffiz Yathali. (Photo Credit: particular equipment is VINLEC) failing at an early stage. It follows, therefore, that main objectives of this training are able to provide a reliable source of electricity throughout the country. to understand the fundamentals of Anticipated benefits from this training machinery vibrations and to apply include the prevention of unpredictable vibration analysis to common problems mechanical failures, avoiding major in rotating machinery. This course introduces participants to repairs or part replacements, shorter maintenance periods and an extension to the fundamental concepts of vibrations the machine’s life cycle. using simple demonstrations and Personnel who are involved in the analogies. It is focused on the practical aspects of rotating machinery vibrations. maintenance of the Company’s equipment at Power Plants are The participants are provided with participating in the course. additional training on how to use the The Vibration Analysis course began hand held VPod Pro Vibration Analysis equipment, to improve the maintenance on Wednesday February 26th at the Cane Hall Engineering Complex. It is and avoid catastrophic mechanical being facilitated by Haffiz Yathali failures. (CMRP), Course Instructor at YATS Currently, Generation maintenance Engineering Limited. (Source: staff perform recommended inspections of equipment which helps VINLEC to be VINLEC)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 19.
Regional
MSC Meraviglia (Photo Source: New York Post)
Caribbean ports turn away cruise ship A CRUISE ship carrying more than 4,500 passengers in the Caribbean became the latest to be turned away from ports, amid fears of the coronavirus -this time in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the New York Post reported on Wednesday. The MSC Meraviglia arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, from Miami on Tuesday morning, but local authorities said no one could disembark after a crew member was said to be ill. The Filipino worker, who had traveled to Miami from Manila, “developed symptoms of common flu and tested positive to type A influenza” while on board, MSC Cruises, the ship’s owner and operator, told The Post. But Jamaican authorities were concerned that the man might have the coronavirus, the company said, adding that the worker has been diagnosed “with common seasonal flu” and is recovering. “Out of precaution, he was isolated from other crew members and guests from the moment that he showed symptoms and will remain so until he is fully recovered,” the company said. The Jamaican Ministry of Health
and Wellness said in a statement that the ship was denied access to the port after “it was discovered that a crew member was placed in isolation on board. “The crew member had a cough, fever and associated muscle pains with a travel history to a country of interest relating to the COVID-19,” it added, using the official name of the illness. The Meraviglia then departed for Georgetown in the Cayman Islands. It had been expected to arrive early Wednesday, but Caymanian health authorities said Tuesday night that it could not dock, according to the cruise line. The Meraviglia was en route to Cozumel, Mexico, on Wednesday morning, the company told The Post. In a statement release since the entry refusals, MSC Cruises expressed disappointment in the face of known precautionary measures the company takes, and assessed that “In both instances, the ship was effectively turned away simply based on fears.” (Source: New York Post)
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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Betwixt and between Dear George, MY MOTHER sent me to live with my uncle because things are bad with her financially. I am 14 years but people tell me I look like a big woman. My uncle has a live-in partner who has been making uncomfortable advances at me. When my uncle is not at home, she invites me to bathe with her and would want me to ‘soap her skin’, telling me she wants to get me in the mood. I have begged her to stop the advances, but she continues her harassment. What is worse is that she usually has another woman — a married woman whose husband I know - who comes over and they lock themselves in a room. She warned me that she would ‘cripple’ me in my sleep if I tell my uncle. I have since videotaped she and the woman, and told her I would show it to my uncle unless she leaves us alone. She left. What I didn’t know is that my uncle caught her in bed with the
woman and that made her leave. My question to you is, should I tell the woman’s husband about her preference for the same sex?
Bad situation Dear Bad situation, Do not give way to your hatred. Anger and hatred only serve to cloud your judgment and cause you to make mistakes. Your feelings of anger and hatred are understandable, and you might even experience confusion, embarrassment and guilt. Find a counsellor to talk to. Contact the Marion House and ask to be directed to the appropriate counsellor.
George
Threatening action the offence the man he loves. committed, but my Be that supporting answer will be the same arm to your sister and THIS GUY did encourage her to get something terrible to my even if you did. The best help to give further help to address sister, and I promised her I will make him pay your sister is to show her the anxiety and the sleep for it. She has not been the path that leads away problem. Apart from from abusive men. Show that, it is not wise to get able to sleep properly, her that a man who truly anymore involved in the and she is now terrified loves will never inflict situation. to go out alone. pain and hurt knowingly His birthday is coming to the person he claims George up and I understand he is making plans, but he is going to get the birthday gift of his life. I told my sister what I plan to do, but she wants Dear George, me to forget about it. George, when I see how MY FRIEND’s husband is sailing. He sends home she is suffering because money to her to take care of the bills, mortgage of this man, it makes me included. sick to my stomach. The Recently, she confided in me that she has been problem with my sister is spending the money on herself and her ‘man on she is too forgiving, all in the side’, who asked her for a loan of $75,000.00. the name of ‘love’. She gave him. Now the man has skipped the I don’t want to go country. ahead and deal with this Worse, her husband is expected home, she has man and not have my asked me to lie for her - to say it was I who sister appreciate any of it. I am in between ideas borrowed the money. I told her I could not do that, and she accused me of not being a friend, right now. and went as far as to tell me, that if her husband killed her, her blood would be on my hands. Mad and ready Is she correct in saying that?
Dear George,
Asked to lie
Dear Mad and ready, You have not disclosed
Want-to-be-a-good-friend Dear Want-to-be-a-good-friend, Do not let your friend suck you into her web of mischief and deceit. This is all on her, and she must face the consequences of her callous and calculated actions. A friend would never make such a request of another. You do not need that kind of friendship. For what it is worth, encourage her to do the right thing and own up to her deeds and be ready to let the chips fall where they may.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Lovers may prove unworthy of your affection. Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget. Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Competitive games will be your forte. Do some research if you want to find information that you can apply against the opposition you face. You will be a real chatterbox this week. Take care of any medical problems if they've been troubling you. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. Your partner will blow situations out of proportion. Be prepared for an active but rewarding day. You will be emotional when dealing with coworkers or employers.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may find that your family responsibilities are piling up. You could be emotional if you didn't take care of problems with loved ones. You may be sensitive concerning friends and their situations. You may enjoy doing something musical for entertainment. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't give up what you have until you can be certain just what it is you're getting. Someone may be trying to pull the wool over your eyes. If boredom has set in, find new and unique directions that offer interesting friendships. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Praise will be yours if you have been pursuing your goals. You may need to make a few alterations to your living arrangements. Your high energy should be spent pleasing your mate.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't let others try to create unwarranted guilt if you can't meet their demands. You need to look into some private matters before you can proceed with your plans. Make some notes regarding the changes that you should make.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your determination may make you a little overbearing when dealing with others. Problems with female members of your family may play on your emotions. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. If you can't trust someone, question the connection.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Try to slow down, and take another look. Check your project over carefully if you were not the only one contributing to the end result. You are in a high cycle where travel, education, and creative endeavors are concerned.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) If you can't get ahead in the company you're with, perhaps it's time to move on. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you. You will have a problem with your boss if you haven't done your job.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will learn a great deal from people with different cultural backgrounds. You will accomplish the most through or. Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. Organize your house and be sure to include the whole family in the projects you have set out to do. Real estate investments will pay-off.
ACROSS 1. Dashed 4. Publicly declare 8. Feeling sore 12. Patterned after: 2 wds. 13. Notorious emperor 14. Foot protector 15. Skirt border 16. Became bigger 17. Mentally acute 18. Play divisions 20. Low voice 22. California neighbor 24. Feminine pronoun 27. Envelops 30. Stripling 31. “Merry” month 32. “Present!” 33. Smack 34. Barn topper 35. Dinghy implement 36. Nap spot 37. Snake teeth 38. Citrus quencher 39. Bout locales 41. Wound remnant 43. Votes into office 47. Choir participant 49. Noble title 51. Pull apart 52. Hatching chirp 53. Speak wildly 54. Notable period 55. Shipshape 56. At that time 57. Drenched DOWN 1. Stadium cries 2. Actor Guinness 3. Christen
4. Maddens 5. Poetry 6. Before, in 5-Down 7. Small craft 8. Inquires 9. Rook, for example 10. Garden tool 11. Strong desire 19. Slangy denial 21. Bread _ butter 23. Soar 25. Suspend (from) 26. Potato buds 27. Carriage-driving command 28. Enjoy novels 29. Nabbed (criminals) 33. President
Hoover 34. Bouquet site 36. Bleating sound 37. Descended 40. Courage 42. Exact replica 44. Work gang
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 21.
45. Experience fatigue 46. Petty dispute 47. Prone (to) 48. Hawaiian garland 50. Relaxed sigh
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22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Opinion
Sparing the rod⁄.
MORE AND MORE the spoken ideology of our Christian ethic in SVG, represents overly emotional fanaticism, and angry sounding rhetoric. It is so in relation to the child abuse issue, a hot button topic of controversy on the local scene. Disciplining children in a certain way has always been par for the course here, and a recently-listened-toshouted radio broadcast advised that children should be whipped, and physically disciplined, in the interest of the best result towards adulthood. If this is so, and looking around at adults in our society, the majority of whom have questionable ethics, themselves killing, abusing women, and in turn abusing their children, indicates that the current approach is wrong and/or taken too far. Do you discipline the
child you are abusing? Is there something in your lifestyle choice which maybe causes the youngster to act out.....i.e. are you tactically creating young people who grow up in turn to be ‘Monster’? (Local soca icon Skinny Fabulous expressed the tact not so long ago in his monster ‘I’m a Monster’.) Not to knock the bible, but spare the rod is a mild tactic indeed as regards the terrorinducing methods Vincentians use to discipline their children, bordering on the military. So, let’s take an example. I had the experience of observing a father- son relationship a few years back when I lived in New Montrose. The father’s recourse for every perceived travesty in the child’s behaviour was to yell, sometimes brandish a cutlass, and
assault -for want of a better word - his young son. The child grew up resenting his father, and acting out with the exact same modus operandi the father used. He went on to kill his father, as duly documented. But the response to the abuse is sometimes differently manifested. I know a child who, while not exactly attacked this way, suffered severe floggings with a belt, and a psychological ostracism from his father. This child grew up with complexes, mental health issues, suicide attempts, and a struggle to assert himself and handle relationships adeptly, an ongoing process in fact. Well, it all goes back to Jesus Christ. As you know, He preached the ‘turn the other cheek’ doctrine, and was probably the first child advocate on record. What was His take on the spare the rod, spoil the child issue? In terms of his actions, He was slow to anger, patient, reasonable, …. well His record speaks for itself.
When we look out at the cross section of teens/young adults in today’s society, what do we see, what do we have? These people need a special sort of guidance that punishmentgear-toting adults are wont to give. One positive, as the Editor of this paper pointed out to me, was the revision of the Child Act where kids below the age of twelve can no longer be charged with capital offenses. The problem at root is a spiritual one. My advice to young children caught in the cycle of abuse and antagonistic relations with peers and adults, is to contemplate the
actions of Christ and other true spiritual masters. As Trinidadian Soca Monarch ‘Voice’ says;
‘You ain no bad man boy’. You have the potential to be better people.
National Heroes Month Featuring Captain Hugh Mulzac during the stormy days of yore. His mind his frame somewhat remained razor-sharp; bent, but he had lost his thinking crystal nothing of that sense of clear. struggle which had During this period, dominated his earlier Captain Mulzac launched life, nor the fire in his on the local market his voice or flashes of the book ‘A Star to Steer By’ eyes which leapt at you which should be and held you firmly as he compulsory reading in all recounted his fight schools. He and his publishers graciously gave permission to a group of us to reprint in a special issue of our magazine “Flambeau”, the first chapter to this autobiography which deals with the near idyllic life of the middleclass youth growing up in Union Island at the turn of the century. One of my treasured possessions is a copy of his publication personally autographed by the maestro himself. When in his latter years he was down and out in the USA owing to persistent racial prejudice and political discrimination, our hero took to painting in the ‘primitive’ style as a sort Continued from Page 8.
of therapy of his unending frustrations. He had originally intended to present to the local chapter of the University two of the fruits of these efforts in which he had made heavy emotional investment but, with no home in which to hang them at the time, we settled for the gift to be handed over to the Public Library instead. So it was that a portrait of the two boats which formed the twin pillar of his life - the “Acolus” on which he sailed out of Barbados to a life unknown and future uncertain, and the “Brooker T. Washington” on which he first made his name - came to grace and decorate the walls of our Public Library. Yet, as was the case there with many of his spiritual heirs and kindred spirit, Hugh Mulzac was in the 1960s marked and watched in Colonial St. Vincent. His name probably lingered on some official list,
somewhere. On one occasion, his daughter, who ran a bookstore in Guyana, paid him a visit in the company of a ‘friend’ who turned out to be Janet Jagan. Everywhere they went, the security people were sure to go! To the end of his days, however, Captain Hugh Mulzac remained a fiercely proud and brave warrior in the cause of human freedom. He was himself a shining example and living embodiment of that message to future generations that concluded his book. “Fight for the liberation of oppressed people everywhere, fight for an honest, moral political system, fight for the fullest appreciation of every human need, for fighting for the good life for all people is the only way to live and win it for yourself. Thus does life become worth living”. It is a fitting epitaph to this great Vincentian patriot.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 23.
SVGGA hosts Classic Gymnastics Competition gained high praise from Dr. Simon Siewsaran, Coach of the Gymnastics Explorers Club of Trinidad and Tobago. Siewsaran, in commending One of the visiting gymnasts from Barbados, Dr. Simon the St Vincent competing on the uneven bar. Siewsaran and the Grenadines Gymnastics Association, noted: “It has been a herculean effort to raise this profile …Kudos must go to the organisers.” Impressed with the standard of the Competition, Siewsaran commented, “I am looking at the Top three in Level Two of the bar segment; Azaria Lewis (left), Sternique higher levels…. I am looking in Pope (centre), Kryche Diaz of the Gymnastics Explorers Club (right). awe, and if you guys are now starting, what is the limit …I THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Gymnastics Club came up against believe a lot of the kids, their Gymnastics Association, last weekend, competition from counterpart clubs eyes are set … I am seeing a lot Dolphins’ Katriel Bailey in action last hosted the Second Coconut Classic from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago of eyes that are set.” Saturday. Gymnastics Competition at the Old and Antigua and Barbuda. Targeting the local Mustique Airways Hangar, Arnos Vale. Going through from Level One to administrators of the sport, years ago. Saturday was the day of the main Level Nine, the gymnasts competed for Siewsaran advised, “You are the LaPrise Harris- Williams is credited menu following Friday evening’s honours in the Bean, Bars, Vault and starting point and not the finish for introducing the sport and Opening Ceremony, which was Floor segments. point.” nurturing its early development, not to preceded by the first ever InterFor their efforts, the top three in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Primary Schools’ Gymnastics each of the disciplines and levels were relatively new in Gymnastics, with the mention popularity. There are now some 300 active Competition. presented with medals. sport taking root here just over four athletes engaged in Gymnastics. Local gymnasts from the Dolphin The execution of the competition
Canouan Secondary hosts inaugural T&F meet past Ollivierre House (blue) on 543, to write themselves into the record books as the School’s Inaugural Track and Field Champions. Terriann Bynoe of Ollivierre House was the Junior Female Champion, having tallied 40 points, with the Junior Male Champion being Emmanuel Williams of Yorke House with 36 individual points. Gailann Armstrong of Ollivierre House was a comfortable winner of the Female Intermediate Yorke House – Inaugural Champions of Track and Field of Champion title and was duly the Canouan Secondary School. named Victrix Ludorum. She totaled 51 points. Ryan Soleyn of Yorke THE NEWEST SECONDARY has a student population of 18, SCHOOL in St Vincent and divided between two Houses — House, with an individual tally of 52 points, ran away the Grenadines, the Canouan Yorke and Ollivierre. with the Male Intermediate Secondary, held its first Track There are six Junior and Champion title, and was the and Field Championships last three Intermediate classed Meet’s Victor Ludorum. Thursday, at the Friendship athletes in each House. Apart from the 32 events Playing Field in Canouan. In a tight day of contested last Thursday, there Opened last September, the competition, Yorke House Canouan Secondary School (green) with 548 points, edged were some field events and a
Ryan Soleyn of Yorke House - Victor Ludorum. six-leg Road Relay from the Canouan Airport to the school yard. The Road Relay was won by Yorke House. Reflecting on the school’s first outing, Physical Education teacher at the institution Alrick Wright said that it was a “good outing” for
Gailann Armstrong of Ollivierre House - Victrix Ludorum. first timers. “Our next move will be to expose them at the InterSchools Championships on the mainland soon,” Wright added.
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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
‘Athletes just need a break’ GARTH DESHONG, one of this country’s more experienced athletics coaches, believes there is a lot more his athletes can achieve, if they had the support. DeShong, who has been coaching twin brothers Roberto and Robert Boyd for 15 years and Romar Stapleton for five years, stressed that they are the
Roberto and Robert Boyd at a training session.
best sprinters so far in the country. But, if they are to “live their dreams,” DeShong said, “they would need more financial support from the private sectors and others.” Robert was a 200m silver medalist at the 2015 CARIFTA Games in St. Kitts, Roberto has made some strides in events in Trinidad, Grenada, and Romar Stapleton , who at one time dominated the Inter Schools track sports in the junior and senior categories, can all achieve more with the talent they possess, DeShong contends. “I know the Vincentian public who follow track and field have not heard or seen the Boyd brothers on a track for a while … but I can assure you that they are still training hard. We are targeting the next Commonwealth Games in 2022, but it takes money. I am just hoping one day they will get a break, with some private sector members and others coming on board with some financial support,” DeShong appealed. Romar Stapleton, former top Bishop’s College Kingstown Secondary School athlete is, in DeShong’s words, “an outstanding athlete who, once he gets the support, can do this country proud. We are hoping this year he will make the CARIFTA standard. He is a very hard worker with good support from his parents. He competed at the Youth Olympics Games in Argentina, did a personal best in the 100m, and also did well at the Whitsuntide Games in Grenada,” DeShong said. DeShong needs no convincing that the three
athletes have not yet peaked and they simply need the support and more competition locally and regionally, so they can assess their progress against top athletes. He also needs no telling that this country is blessed with some of the best track and field coaches who can produce World Class athletes. “But,” he said, “we need to have everyone on board to support the athletes.” The long standing coach welcomes the athletics track (at Diamond) which he hopes will encourage athletes to train more seriously and would attract more organized competition.
Coach Garth DeShong
I.B.A.ALLEN Romar Stapleton.
Titles decided in Junior Squash Open JAYDEN GEORGE won the Boys Under-11 Singles, Jaydon Williams- the Boys Under-13, Nadira Morgan copped the Girls Under-19 and Rashid Constance, the Boys Under19, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association Junior Open Championships concluded last Sunday afternoon at the National Squash Centre, Jayden George – Boys Under-11 Champ.
Female Cricket: Survivors down Racliffe
IN THE LONE Female 40 Overs matches played on Saturday, United Survivors had the better of Radcliffe Girls by 3 wickets. Radcliffe Girls made 113 all out in 26.1 overs, with a top score of 26 coming from Kendicia Barker. Cordel Jack 4 for 19 and Jeniellia Glasgow 3 for 18 made life difficult for the Radcliffe Girls. United Survivors almost made a meal of their pursuit of victory, losing 7 wickets before they got to 114 in 16 overs. Shevorne Clarke scored 28. Jenisha Hackshaw, 4 for 32, was Radcliffe Girls’ chief wicket-taker. I.B.A. ALLEN
Paul’s Avenue. George played unbeaten throughout the Championship and there was little surprise when he trounced Dru Samuel in the final, 11/6, 11/0, 11/8. However, when George stepped up one age category, i.e. Under 13, he went under to Jaydon Williams in the finals of that age group. Scores: 11/5, 11/3, 13/10. Nadira Morgan, meanwhile, claimed the Rashid Constance – Nadira Morgan - Girls Girls Under-19 title, when Under-19 Champ Boys Under-19 she stopped Ciara George in Champ. the final. Morgan won 11/3, 11/5, 12/10. And, Rashid Constance beat Mikhail Quashie 8/11, 11/3, 11/6, 11/6 in the Boys segment of that age group. The championships, which ran from Friday to last Sunday, formed part of the selection process for the St Vincent and the Grenadines team to this year’s Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships, set for Bermuda in August. In addition, the Open Junior Championships served to give participants rankings points. The next championships on the SVG Squash Association’s calendar takes place 20th and 21st March, also at the National Squash Centre.
Jaydon Williams – Boys Under-13 Champ
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 25.
Sports
New Bolt
BARRING unforeseen circumstances, the eyes of the world will open on Japan from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, August 9. Over that period, 339 events will be competed in 33 sports. Special attention will be on the Super Saturdays: Episodes one and two. The first features the Women’s 100M, an event which will be followed closely by Caribbean fans notably Jamaica. Episode Two will perhaps jolt the digital arena, for a new 100M champion will be crowned, the first since 2004. The era of Usain Bolt will have officially closed, and attention will be on the newest, fastest man on the earth. The relays: Men and women, 400, and 100m, will be major highlights. But heavy as they are to those countries fortunate to make the final, they will only be a backdrop to many of the 206 nations whose flags will be flown at the session. When the Games wind up with the Men’s marathon, the baton will be passed on to the Paris officials in preparation for the next showdown in France 2024. Each nation will have an interest in one aspect or the other. The acquisition of medals has become something of a staging ground for countries, and the medal winning countries ear some authority to parade on the world stage. While the International Olympic Committee forbids demonstrations with political, religious or racial overtones, there will be no denying the ideological and economic benefits to the receiving nations. Some4 nations go out of their way and allocate all kinds of resources just to enhance their medal haul. The Olympic Games has become a platform for the presentation of many a deep-routed political statement. The rivalry among nations intensifies, and one might still not grasp the extent to which state involved manipulation is undertaken. These Games occur with a looming global attention sparked by the Corona virus. Its outbreak has aroused curiosity worldwide, and speculation is rife as to its effects on not just the sporting calendar, but the economic scenario. It is in that regard that everyone has to be cautious with their approach to the next Olympics. This adventure serves as a worldwide glue and there is the potential of any spill over. My first awareness of the Olympics was from 1964, in the very Japan. I have vague memories of especially the performance of the Trinidad and Tobago athletes. For in those days, one listened to radio stations from Trinidad every day on the AM band. The famous cyclist Roger Gibbons made Caribbean people proud, as did the T&T quartet over the 400-meter relay Wendell Motley one of the medallists went on to become a government Minister under the Eric Williams administration. The 1972 Olympics are remembered for the wrong reasons, but on reflections, the reasons leading to that scenario are as rampant and rabid as they have ever been. The Caribbean medal count is expected to be minimal, except for Jamaica which has established itself as a force of reckoning when any event is called. One will hope that increased harvest at the medal table will usher in a new lease on life for regional athletes. Perhaps by the time it comes around to France, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be able to stake a genuine claim for elevation on the winner’s rostrum.
Premier Division: Two outright wins, two centuries THE FEB 22 AND 23 ROUND (THE SIXTH) of matches in the Premier Division of the 2020 NLA/SVGCA National Cricket Competition, threw up two outright wins and two century-makers. Veteran Lindon In one of the James also contributed with two matches scheduled, a century to FLOW Rivals Police’s Two notched up an carnage. impressive innings and 33 runs win over Police Two, at Sion Hill. Hyron Shallow and Lindon James scattered the Police like headless chickens to all parts of the field, with the former unleashing his repertoire of strokes in an innings of 146, and James, evergreen and powerful in his stroke play, stamping his authority with an innings of 117. The two helped their team to a total of 358 for 9. In the midst of pummeling, Darius Martin managed to claim 5 FLOW Rivals
wickets for 56 runs. FLOW Rivals’ Police Two, demotivated Hyron Shallow and seemingly taking a while blasted his way to to recover from the onslaught a century at the expense of Police by Shallow and James, Two. capitulated at 91 all out in their first knock. Veteran Deighton Butler claimed 3 Police Gidron Pope led the batting with wickets for 11 runs. 32. Jeremy Trailing by 267 runs, Police Haywood, 3 for Two set about their second 14, and Jahiel innings with more purpose and Walters, 3 for Kesrick Williams,79, Salvan Browne, 47 and Andrew Thomas, 57, led the 44, almost forced FLOW Rivals to bowling for Guardian bat a second time. Police Two General Saints. closed at 234 all out in their Asif Hooper has Saint second turn run at the crease. taken his tally of Dyke Cato accounted for 5 wickets faltered even wickets so far to worse in their for 61 runs. second innings, 35. In the other weekend match, struggling to Premier Division leaders FLOW Radcliffe earned a five-wicket win 112, with Alex Samuel accounting over the Guardian General Saints for 55 of those runs. Rasheed Fredericks grabbed 5 for 13. at Arnos Vale One, in a lowSet 107 for victory, FLOW scoring match. Radcliffe made a struggle of their Guardian General Saints, chase, getting to victory batting first, totalled 142, failing eventually for the loss of five in the process to negotiate the spin of Asif Hooper who returned wickets. Pope again was their figures of 5 for 40, to bring his to standout batsman getting to 53 not out. Fast Bowler Ray Charles date season tally to 35. Kevin had 3 for 52. Samuel top scored with 47. FLOW Radcliffe found the I.B.A. ALLEN going challenging and was lucky to get to 148 in their first innings.
First Century in 2020 First Division Cricket DAN WILLIAMS recorded the first century in this year’s NLA/SVGCA 50 Overs First Division Cricket Competition. He blasted 110 in Keegans’s Bequia XI total of 305 for 8 in 42 overs, reduced from fifty, against Corea’s Distribution Belfongo. Williams was ably supported by Jarell Edwards who remained not out on 73 and the duo helped to ensure that their team remained unbeaten to date. Corea’s Distribution Belfongo put in a spirited reply but were held to 215 all out in 28.3 overs, with Andre Hunt getting 49. Jenry Ollivierre and
Chelson Stowe had three wickets each. In another Sunday encounter, Pollard Investments North Windward Combine also remained unbeaten as they humbled Victors Two by 9 wickets. Victors Two managed 113 all out in 32.1 overs, with Dean Browne taking 5 for 30. He returned to hit 54 and Shem Browne 55 not out in a 110-run first wicket stand, that eased Windward Combine to 114 for 1 in 5.2 overs. Strike
Eagles had a six-wicket win over St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan. St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan showed poor application and were dismissed for 86 in 24.3 overs. Chris Humphrey 3 for 14 and Keron Roberts 3 for 18 proved to be Glamorgan’s undoing. Strike Eagles strolled to victory, reaching 88 for 4 from 15 overs. Delon Woodley was not out on 32. Dean Browne turned in an impressive all round performance (5 wickets and 54 runs) for Pollard Investments North Windward Combine.
Dan Williams became the first to hit a century in the 2020 First Division 50 Overs Competition. I.B.A.ALLEN
26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020. 27.
Classifieds
SYLVENNIE FRANCE OLLIVIERRE Mt .Coke Methodist Church, Stubbs Saturday, 22nd February, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m. Internment: Stubbs Cemetery MILLICENT BROWNE Kingstown Methodist Church Friday, 21st February, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
EUPHEMIA YOUNG New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill, Kingstown Saturday, 22nd February, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery ZITA MORGAN a.k.a. Town Gel S.D.A Church, Fountain Sunday, 23rd February, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Belair Cemetery
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FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
VOLUME 114, No.09
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PARENTS FREED, DAUGHTER’S SENTENCE REDUCED by HAYDN HUGGINS PASTOR Nigel Morgan and his wife Althia were freed by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal on Tuesday, while their daughter, Crystal, was given a reduced sentence. She will be out by April this year. The three were each sentenced to four years imprisonment at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, April 30, 2018 for unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm on Cuthbert Victory of Hopewell, by pouring The Morgans in a family hug with their lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne whose work got them an early get-out-of-jail card.
THE WORST AVERTED EARLY morning shoppers, vendors and the travelling public were thrown into a panic last Friday around 9:00am, by a man wielding a cutlass that was so well sharpened and shiny that one person thought it was a sword. The cutlass-wielding man, name given as Cornelius Kennedy an escapee of the Mental Health Centre, had taken to ‘chasing’ two men along the area of P.H. Veira Supermarket and Hardware, causing disruption to the usual market activities. Fortunately for everybody, the man was apprehended by the skillful and thoughtful work of three officers (detectives) of the Royal SVG Police Force. The action of the officers demonstrated not only concern for the many bystanders, but also for the cutlass-wielding man whom, it appeared, they recognized as a patient at the Mental Health Centre. The detectives ‘talked the man down” and then disarmed him without any ‘fuss’. The officers, Detectives Haywood,
Cornelius Kennedy (no shirt) being escorted to the Central Police Station by Detective Henry. Laborde and Henry, came in for loudly expressed commendations from the many bystanders for the way in which they neutralized the man, thereby averting “possible bloodshed,” as one bystander put it. (CD)
boiling water on him, causing severe injuries, on April 6, 2016. Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett had handed down the penalty after finding all three defendants guilty. On Monday, during a sitting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Appeal Court quashed the convictions of the pastor and his wife, set aside their sentences and upheld the appeal, while their daughter’s sentence was reduced to three years, with her conviction remaining intact. While Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, who represented the three, had appealed the pastor and his wife’s convictions and sentences, she conceded that the conviction against their daughter was justified, but that her sentence was too high. Justices of Appeal Davidson Baptiste, Mario Michel and acting Justice of Appeal Paul Webster upheld BacchusBaptiste’s argument that the Magistrate, who had handed down the judgement in the Morgans’ case, misapplied or failed to properly consider the law in relation to aiding and abetting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. According to her, the Magistrate did not have sufficient evidence before him to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that when Crystal came with the kettle, her mother and father held down Victory, so that she could pour the boiling water on him. Bacchus-Baptiste argued that a fight had started after Victory had slandered Mr. Morgan and slapped his wife. According to the lawyer, aiding and abetting requires mens rea, the mental element in crime which is proof of intention to aid as well as knowledge of the circumstances. The Prosecution’s case was that the Pastor and his wife held Victory by his hands, so that their daughter could pour the boiling water on him. Bacchus-Baptiste also argued that the Magistrate did not engage in a
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Pastor Nigel Morgan and his wife Althia shared a moment with their daughter Crystal before she was taken back to prison. proper sentencing hearing, and therefore, the sentences were excessive. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN following the outcome of the Appeal, Bacchus-Baptiste said, “I am relieved that the two Morgans are out of jail. “While I believe the incident was unfortunate, I always believed that the parents never knew Crystal was coming with the kettle. “The parents’ intention was to preserve the peace and reprimand Victory for playing loud and obscene music.” After Bacchus-Baptiste had filed appeals on behalf of the three, following their convictions and sentencing on April 30, 2018, she applied to the High Court for bail pending the outcome of th-e appeals. Bail was denied. See story on Page 6.
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